Tommy Fleetwood makes Rory McIlroy demand of himself ahead of Hero Dubai Desert Classic
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Tommy Fleetwood has set his sights on emulating Rory McIlroy's winning consistency as he prepares for this week's Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club.
The English star, who has never won the prestigious event in 14 attempts, is determined to change his fortunes at a tournament that has become McIlroy's playground in recent years.
"I love the look of the trophy for this tournament," Fleetwood told Sky Sports. "I've played it every year since my first year on tour. I absolutely love the golf course."
Despite calling Dubai home and maintaining a perfect attendance record at the event throughout his professional career, Fleetwood has managed just two top-10 finishes at Emirates Golf Club.
Tommy Fleetwood is looking to win the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in his 15th appearance at the competition
PA
"I just haven't managed to put myself in a position to contend for this tournament yet but I will continue to try," he added.
Fleetwood has identified McIlroy as the benchmark for consistent winning performances on tour.
"I think one of the greatest winners of my generation, well, if not the greatest, is Rory," Fleetwood told Sky Sports.
The Englishman particularly admires McIlroy's ability to regularly put himself in contention.
"Rory puts himself in those situations all the time and wins plenty as a result of it," he explained.
Fleetwood aims to replicate this approach to tournament golf in his own career.
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"I want to continue to improve my all-around game and put myself in a position to win as many times as possible and then win as a result of that," he said.
He believes maintaining consistency and creating regular opportunities is key to increasing his victory count.
Beyond tournament victories, Fleetwood has outlined ambitious goals for 2025, with the Ryder Cup defence at Bethpage Black taking centre stage.
"I am always setting goals yearly," he told Mirror Sport. "Goals are a great compass for you and gives you direction of what you are working for."
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Tommy Fleetwood wants to replicate Rory McIlroy's career
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The Englishman, who delivered the winning point for Europe in Rome in 2023, acknowledges the challenge ahead on American soil.
"Going to an away Ryder Cup and dealing with the challenges that are there... it is an unbelievable challenge to try and keep the Ryder Cup in such a hostile environment," he said.
Alongside team success, Fleetwood harbours major championship aspirations after coming close in recent years, including a tied-third finish at last year's Masters.
"You only have four chances [at the majors] a year so there is a big emphasis on trying to get yourself in contention at those types of events," he explained.
Fleetwood has identified key areas where McIlroy excels at Emirates Golf Club, particularly in his approach to the par-five holes.
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Tommy Fleetwood reveals Rory McIlroy's talent on the par fives has led him to glory
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"It helps when you are hitting it 350 yards down the middle and flicking it onto the green of the par fives," Fleetwood said of McIlroy's success.
The Northern Irishman has dominated the event with four victories, including a successful title defence in 2024.
"When you look at the times Rory's won he has done such a good job of the par fives which is a massive strength of his," Fleetwood noted.
He also acknowledged his own putting challenges at the course.
"Putting has a big role as well which is something I have struggled with at the course over time. So that is something I have been working on this week," he added.
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