Tommy Lad does enough to keep alive hopes of British Open in his hometown

Tommy Fleetwood has been dreaming about winning a British Open since he was a wee lad in Southport who could only sneak onto Royal Birkdale late in the evening. He’s not about to stop dreaming now.

Even with a pair of bogeys on the final four holes, Fleetwood did enough Saturday — a 1-under 69, his third round under par this week — and was five shots behind Sam Burns.

He also had a record crowd at Royal Birkdale behind him. “There’s no pressure on me at all really, except for my own expectations,” Fleetwood said. “And of course, it’s a really beautiful thing that the town is so hopeful for me and they want me to do well. I can’t ask for any more from thousands and thousands of people out there.

“They’ve made a massive difference to me,” he said. “Yesterday evening, the first tee every day, today when I was in contention, that stuff that I’ll have for life. How many people in the golfing world get to experience that with the crowd that much on your side? It’s been a very special week for me no matter what. If I can get it tomorrow, I could make it even more special. We’ll see.” The support is unlike anything he’s ever heard, and for good reason.