Frankie Fleetwood narrowly missed the green at the Masters. (Image: Getty)
There was a wonderful moment during the Masters Par Three contest for the families of Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry on the ninth hole. Frankie Fleetwood shot to fame last year after his charming interview discussing his attempts to carry the ball over the water and onto the green.
« Well, I’ve been doing my hardest to get it over the green, » he said. « I’ve been practicing as hard as I can, just not reaching it this year. But I’m just trying my hardest. »
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The youngster had been putting in the hard yards on the driving range throughout the year in preparation for this occasion, and gave numerous interviews across the day as he made his way towards the ninth hole.
« I just feel happy, I just want to get it over the water for them, » young Frankie said. Frankie stepped up to the tee with driver in hand and produced a fine swing, yet the ball narrowly missed the green and splashed into the water.
The crowd accompanying the group around the course responded magnificently, rallying behind the youngsters and cheering for them to be granted another attempt. Lowry’s daughter Iris was also given a second chance at the tee and went first, but she too narrowly failed to find the green as her ball trickled into the water.
Frankie’s second effort fell similarly short of the target, yet high-fives were exchanged throughout the group and the youngster wore a beaming grin despite failing to clear the hazard. Poppy McIlroy narrowly missed a putt on the green in what proved to be a wonderful moment for the families, who shared a warm embrace before moving on.
Tommy Fleetwood celebrated a hole in one on the fourth hole. (Image: Getty)
Fleetwood, who celebrated a hole in one earlier in the day, was asked about his son’s admirable efforts leading up to the shot and said: « He obviously very positively thinks he can. As long as he hits a good shot, I’m kind of OK with it.
« I’m excited to go there, I’m excited to play. Frankie, you know, will be trying his hardest. We’ve had conversations. Frankie is very set on what he’s doing. He’s very excited, and he knows what he’s doing. »
The Par Three competition is a cherished occasion for players and their nearest and dearest, and Fleetwood said: « I always say one of the most special things about the Masters is for us as players.
« Having something so unique as something that’s so special for the family right before it on a Wednesday, I just think is amazing. I think it’s one of the most special things about the week. »
Fleetwood’s youngest son has attended all but one of his previous nine Masters appearances, and Tommy revealed he and his son discuss the tournament regularly.
« Yeah, we talk about it all the time, » the Southport-born golfer said. « I just love the fact that we spoke – this is my 10th Masters, and except for the first one where he wasn’t born yet, he’s been at every one.
« Frankie’s growing up. Every year you see him get that little bit older at the Masters. I think more than anything the pressure is on me to keep making the Masters until he reaches the green on the ninth. »
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