One of the most remarkable moments on Sunday at the Tour Championship came when Tommy Fleetwood was introduced on the first tee before his final round, with the Englishman receiving a tremendous ovation at East Lake.

Nine of the players who finished tied for 10th or higher at the Tour Championship were American. And yet, it seemed as though many in attendance were desperate to see Tommy Fleetwood get across the line and win his first PGA Tour title.

Fleetwood is one of the most popular players in the current game. However, that is unlikely to do him many favours when the Ryder Cup gets going at Bethpage next month.

The 34-year-old was on the European team which suffered a record defeat in 2021. But this year’s event will be vastly different given the restrictions that were in place for fans at Whistling Straits.

Tommy Fleetwood comments on the American fans attending the Ryder Cup next month

Combining the New York crowd with the greatest event in golf sets the stage for the 2025 Ryder Cup to potentially be the best yet.

But for those wearing blue and yellow, it is likely to be hostile. Nevertheless, speaking on Pardon My Take, Fleetwood insisted that he has little problem with being seen as the enemy.

“I think it’s the cool thing about the Ryder Cup. I definitely will not be offended or upset by anything that anyone feels like they want to say or support their home team, because that’s how it should be and I think that’s one of the great things,” he said.

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
“We don’t get to do that sort of thing either. In our sport you play so individually and you play all over the world, so it’s not like you get a home and away feeling in that team environment and I think that is one of the great things about the Ryder Cup.

“I have been lucky to play at two home Ryder Cups and the support is unbelievable and the home crowd play a huge part in that home team vibe and the atmosphere and they help you.

“So going into an away Ryder Cup, I think we are all just excited about the opportunity and that’s how it should be [that he isn’t cheered on].”

Tommy Fleetwood asked if there are any American players he hopes to avoid at the Ryder Cup

Europe will be looking to become the first away side since 2012 to win the Ryder Cup. They have definitely had plenty of momentum at times this season – with Justin Rose joining Fleetwood winning a playoff event this year.

Unsurprisingly, Fleetwood backed Luke Donald‘s men when asked for a prediction.

“Of course I am going to stand by my boys in my team and say that I am going to go in with full faith in our team and say Europe are going to bring the Ryder Cup back. I can’t say anything other than that,” he added.

Fleetwood is going to be one of the contenders to play all five matches in New York. He has missed just three sessions across his three Ryder Cup appearances. With that, it is going to be imperative for Europe that he makes a significant contribution.

And it seems that he is not worried about who he faces at Bethpage, as he was asked if there are any players he hopes to avoid.

“No, I am sorry about sitting on the fence on that one. I would love to give you a better answer but I love being part of the team and getting the chance to play any of those guys. I just think with a Ryder Cup you are guaranteed to get an unbelievable match up, whether you are playing foursomes, fourballs or singles. You are going to be playing someone you think this is awesome. I get the chance to play him. So I’ll happily go ahead against anyone because I just think it’s so cool and what an amazing opportunity.”

Fleetwood’s partnership with Francesco Molinari in 2018 was crucial to Europe securing victory, while the Englishman was the player to seal the winning point five years later in Rome.

So he will be desperate to add another iconic moment to his collection in a month.