Hong Kong crowds love Tommy Fleetwood, but it doesn’t bother Matthew Fitzpatrick
Englishman shoots four-under-par in his first round and is not fazed by the attention on his playing partner and compatriot
For Matthew Fitzpatrick, flamboyant fellow pro and Race to Dubai champion Tommy Fleetwood is just another pro.
Fitzpatrick, who shot a four-under-par 66 in the opening round of the UBS Hong Kong Open on Thursday, was grouped with Fleetwood and defending champion Sam Brazel at Fanling – drawing a sizeable crowd.
Most of the fans’ attention was on the long-haired Fleetwood but Fitzpatrick said he was not fazed by the attention.
“Yeah, we had a bit of a crowd,” said the 23-year-old Fitzpatrick. “People are going to be following Tommy seeing as he won The Race to Dubai the other day.
“I played with Tommy in my first start as a pro, so playing with Tommy, no offence to him, but I’ve played with him a few times before, so I get used to it.”
Fleetwood remains in contention at Fanling after his opening round of two-under 68 but Fitzpatrick is certainly among the favourites after his opening round in difficult conditions.