Tommy Fleetwood says sorry for comment about Ryder Cup skipper Luke Donald

Tommy Fleetwood apologised after he made a gaffe during a live radio appearance discussing what he thinks Luke Donald will be like as a Ryder Cup captain.

Ben Smith

05 Sep 2023

Tommy Fleetwood says sorry for comment about Ryder Cup skipper Luke Donald

Tommy Fleetwood had a mad moment during an appearance on live radio as he discussed the forthcoming Ryder Cup.

The Englishman was named as one of Luke Donald's six captain's picks on 4 September.

Fleetwood had been hoping to qualify automatically but in the end Matthew Fitzpatrick nabbed the last spot via the world points list.

Which meant that Fleetwood had to rely on his fellow Englishman to pick the Liverpool lad.

The reality of the situation is that it seemed inconceivable that Fleetwood wouldn't be involved given he has played well this campaign.

Granted, he went winless but he represented himself well in the major championships and was oh so close to winning that maiden PGA Tour title.

Fleetwood joined BBC radio presenter Rick Edwards to discuss the forthcoming Cup where he was asked what type of captain Donald will be.

"S---t" came the reply from Fleetwood in a comment that was clearly meant as a joke. Edwards apologised. As did Fleetwood.

Fleetwood then offered:

"Sorry, sorry, I lost track of where I am. I take that back.

"Luke will be amazing. He's somebody I am very close to. He's a calm figure, a confident figure, he's handled the biggest moment in the sport unbelievably well.

"To have someone leading from the front like that has been great. He’s definitely brought his personality to the captaincy.

"I do feel very honoured, as a friend as well but to play under a European legend, I am looking forward to experiencing his captaincy."

Fleetwood was the first player Donald announced on 4 September.

THE FIRST PICK IS HERE!
Tommy Fleetwood is Luke Donald's first captain's pick! pic.twitter.com/TUCTcTWhgg
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) September 4, 2023

This will be Fleetwood's third Ryder Cup and his second on home soil. Donald described Fleetwood as 'a flusher' as he welcomed him to the fold, adding:

"He has experience, which is important but my nickname for Tommy is the 'Flusher'.

"He is a ball-striking machine. We have just seen that in some of his results, fifth at the U.S. Open, 10th at The Open Championship.

"I think he's the only man in the history of golf to have more than two 63s in the final round of a U.S. Open. We know his pedigree of golf, and obviously he's a very versatile player. He can play with anyone. He gets along with anyone and he’s great in the team room."

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