Local Open hero Tommy Fleetwood looks unrecognisable without iconic long hair

Tommy Fleetwood has not always had his iconic long hair, photos from his amateur days have revealed.

The Open Championship hopeful and Ryder Cup hero is instantly recognisable on the course with his shoulder length locks and beard.

AFP

However, a young Fleetwood sported a completely different look at the beginning of his career.

Following Europe’s triumph at Bethpage Black last September, The R&A (Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews) shared a series of throwback snaps of the victorious team on social media.

Among them was a picture of Fleetwood on the course before joining the professional ranks.

Prior to adopting his iconic long hair, he sported a short and simple cut along with no facial hair.

The look leaves the teenager looking unrecognisable compared to how fans know him today.

Fleetwood enjoyed an impressive amateur career after growing up in Southport, Merseyside and will return to his roots for the 154th Open Championship at his local Royal Birkdale this week.

His early years on the course saw him win both the Scottish Amateur Championship and English Amateur.

He also prepared for his future Ryder Cup heroics by representing Great Britain & Ireland at the 2009 Walker Cup.

Fleetwood would also reach third in the world amateur rankings before featuring on the Challenge Tour.

Since turning professional, he has collected 11 individual wins and is among the favourites to claim glory in this week’s Open.

instagram / @therandagolf

Getty

Of those victories, eight have been on the European Tour, most recently winning the inaugural DP World India Championship last October.

Fleetwood endured an agonising wait for his maiden PGA Tour triumph, clinching his first victory last August after 164 events and six runner-up finishes.

The 35-year-old won the Tour Championship to become FedEx Cup champion at East Lake.

He followed up that win by inspiring Europe to their first away Ryder Cup win since 2012.

Fleetwood won four of his five matches as Luke Donald’s side clinched a 15-13 victory.

Getty

The Olympic silver medallist was also named as the recipient of the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award at the end of Sunday’s singles action.

Fleetwood, currently ranked ninth in the world, has had a quieter season so far this year but will be hoping to kick in search of his first major title.

He has seven top five finishes in golf’s biggest tournaments, claiming third at the 2024 Masters.

He has not had a top ten since and has been poor in the majors so far this season.

But The Open is being held at Royal Birkdale this year, just a stone’s throw from Southport in Merseyside where Fleetwood was born.

He would love to finally fulfil his true potential by ending his major drought at the tournament and venue that means most to him.