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Tommy Fleetwood reveals which legend inspired his golf swing after meeting him at Wentworth

Originally posted on HITC | By James Shearman | Last updated Sep 10, 2025 2:49 PM ET

Tommy Fleetwood has quickly emerged as one of the new faces of the PGA Tour after his win at the Tour Championship.

Fans had been waiting a long time to see Fleetwood break through in America, and when it finally happened at East Lake a few weeks back, it was a moment celebrated across the sport.

But beyond his path to PGA Tour success, Fleetwood is also known for having one of the smoothest swings in golf.

Recently, he shared that his game was inspired by a former world number one whom he first encountered at Wentworth.

Tommy Fleetwood names Ernie Els as the golfer he looked up to

Fleetwood was asked if he had any standout memories from his visits to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth as a child.

The 34-year-old spoke about attending a clinic led by Ernie Els, a four-time major champion, which left a lasting impression on him.

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He recalled having a brief conversation with Els during the session, an experience that led him to model his game after the South African star.

“I did, actually. So I got invited… Ernie Els did a clinic, actually, and I was eight,” Fleetwood said. “He actually became my hero from that day forth because he just happened to speak to me.

“There was a group of I don’t know how many kids, and he happened to make eye contact and speak to me. From that point on, Ernie Els was always my hero, and he still is, actually.”

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“I don’t remember anything about the tournament, but I remember that specific clinic and Ernie doing that.”

“Yeah, that was sort of what brought me to my career. I just tried to swing it like him, and Ernie Els was my guy.”

Fleetwood Setting sights on a home victory

It took time, but Tommy Fleetwood finally reached his long-standing goal of winning on the PGA Tour with his victory at the Tour Championship.

But even before that win, there was still one thing he hadn’t accomplished—lifting a trophy on English soil. And now, with attention turning to the BMW PGA Championship, it’s something many feel should be next on his list.

Fleetwood spoke about what it would mean to finally win in front of a home crowd.

“Yeah, again, being at home and playing in front of home crowds, and I guess as a goal and a dream, you always picture those moments,” he said. “The crowd is such a huge part of it, and the emotional aspect of it.”

He then referenced Ludvig Aberg’s recent victory at Crans-sur-Sierre in Switzerland.

“Look at last week. I think that was one of the coolest things to watch, and what a special moment that was. Pictured myself winning on the 18th green many, many times.”

The World No. 10 then mentioned his ultimate dream is to win The Open when it comes back to Royal Birkdale close to where he grew up in Southport.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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