TOMMY FLEETWOOD is on the fast track to being Englands next world No1 after his stunning US Open finish.
Luke Donald, who held the top spot for 56 weeks in 2011-12 after taking it from compatriot Lee Westwood, says Fleetwoods brilliant final-round seven-under-par 63 at Shinnecock Hills shows he can go all the way too.
The Southport star became the sixth man to shoot 63 in a US Open traditionally the most difficult Major and he equalled the course record.
But he finished a shot behind Brooks Koepka, who became the first man to defend the title in 29 years, and Fleetwood was left to curse the eight-foot putt for birdie at the last that shaved the hole.
Donald said: Tommy brought the tournament to life with that fantastic final round.
If that putt on 18 had gone in or one on 16 from similar distance he would be the US Open champion now.
"But we now know he can go low on the toughest courses, which bodes well for future Majors.
He also shot 63 to break the course record at Carnoustie in the Dunhill Links a few months ago, which sounds ridiculous to those of us who have played that course.
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With The Open going there next month, Tommy has a great chance. And I do see him as quite possibly our next world No1.
Fleetwood, 27, has gone up two places to tenth in the world rankings, equalling his career high.
He said: I had a chance to become the first to shoot 62 in an American Major. That last putt is one people will look at, but I holed a lot of great putts before that.
I shot 63 in tough conditions for my highest finish in a Major and its more proof I can get up there.
The next big one is The Open, and I have put my name in the frame again. I played great at Carnoustie last time I was there and I will look forward to The Open.
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