Tommy Fleetwood shares true feelings on playing for Team Europe ahead of Ryder Cup showdown

Tommy Fleetwood has said that Team Europe will help him be the best version of himself at the Ryder Cup. The Englishman made Luke Donald's team to represent the continent at Bethpage Black, joining the likes of Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Matt Fitzpatrick.

Golf can ultimately be an incredibly lonely sport due to many tours largely operating on an individual basis. And as a result, players like Fleetwood only have their coaches and caddies to boost their spirits at most of the season's events.

But with the Ryder Cup operating in a team format, players will be there to support one another, both on and off the course, for the duration. Speaking about how the team aspect will help him thrive in New York during a press conference, Fleetwood explained: "Yeah, I think being part of a team is really beautiful.

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"It's something that we don't get to do week in, week out, and especially like this where there's so much history about the Ryder Cup. And I think being part of Team Europe, I've always been made so aware of the legacy that is Team Europe.

"We're sort of carrying that right now. But there's a time when we won't be playing and there will be plenty of others that come after us, there's been plenty that come before us, and I think it's a privilege and a luxury that we get to do that all together.

"Yeah, the team being with the 11 other players, the vice captains, the captain, the backroom staff, having that support network, having those guys that make you want to be the best version of yourself.

"When you're playing individually and you turn up in a crappy mood on the day, you just don't have to speak to anyone. You just get on with it.

"But I think every day when you turn up as part of Team Europe, it drives you to be the absolute best version of yourself, and whether you're playing well, whether you're playing bad, whether you're feeling tired, whether you're feeling great, you do what is best for the team and you try and give your all. I think it just brings out the best in all of us."

It comes as Fleetwood will certainly be headed into this year's Ryder Cup in high spirits, given he finally clinched the first PGA Tour title of his career at the Tour Championship last month.

The Englishman thrived at East Lake to finish three strokes ahead of Patrick Cantlay and Russell Henley with a total score of 18-under-par. However, his attention will now be firmly fixed on defending the title Team Europe clinched at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club two years ago.

However, Fleetwood will understand all too well what he will be up against at Bethpage Black, with Keegan Bradley's Team USA stacked to the rafters with homegrown talent.

Leading the line for the hosts are the likes of LIV Golf sensation Bryson DeChambeau, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and two-time major champion Xander Schauffele, who will each chase the American dream on home soil.

The Ryder Cup tees off at Bethpage Black on Friday, 26 September.