AMERICAN IDOL

Fleetwood’s rough road to glory makes him a smash hit

- By Neil McLeman

TIGER WOODS led the A-list praise forTommy Fleetwood after the Southport star captured his first PGA Tour title - and the heart of sporting America.

The uberpopular new world No.6 proved that good guys can come first by winning the Tour Championship — and the $10million FedEx Cup - to finally land his maiden PGA Tour victory at the 164th attempt.

Following years of failed attempts, it was another feelgood European story in the USA, following Rory Mcllroy’s win at ‘The Masters in April.

And the outpouring of sheer joy after his triumph at East Lake = the American crowd chanted “Tommy, Tommy” — was reminiscent of Woods’ emotional victory there in 2018 which ended his five-year trophy drought.

The 15-time Major winner posted on social media: “Your journey is a reminder that hard work, resilience, and heart do pay off. No one deserves it more. Congrats @TommyFleetwood1!”