Tommy Fleetwood’s public reaction to David Beckham’s knighthood was more than just a congratulatory note—it was a recognition of values that transcend the playing field
It highlighted the importance of sportsmanship, national pride, and human decency.
While Fleetwood may have had a disappointing week at the U.S. Open, his heartfelt tribute to Beckham reminds us that character often speaks louder than scorecards.
In celebrating Beckham’s honor, he reminded fans of the enduring spirit that binds great athletes—regardless of the sport they play.
The 2025 U.S. Open will not be the highlight of Tommy Fleetwood’s season. But it also won’t define it.
With multiple strong finishes under his belt and a consistently solid game, Fleetwood remains one of the top names on the PGA Tour.
His ability to bounce back from setbacks, paired with his humility and class, makes him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the sport.
There’s still plenty of golf to play this year, and Tommy Fleetwood will undoubtedly have more to say—both on and off the course. For now, his message rings true for everyone who’s ever picked up a club: “Golf is hard.”
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Tommy Fleetwood Congratulates David Beckham on Knighthood
A Touching Moment Between Two English Icons
In the world of British sports, admiration and mutual respect often transcend boundaries between disciplines.1
This week, English professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood took a break from the rigors of the 2025 U.S. Open to pay tribute to one of England’s most cherished sporting legends—David Beckham.
Beckham, the former Manchester United and England football star, received a knighthood from King Charles III in recognition of his contributions to sports and charity.
Fleetwood’s heartfelt message not only highlighted Beckham’s influence but also reflected on the significance of the knighthood itself.
Golf is hard. Oakmont is hard…but I still would’ve loved a weekend round there.
Good luck to everyone. pic.twitter.com/6bPgki5fJk— Tommy Fleetwood (@TommyFleetwood1) June 14, 2025
A Royal Honor for a Global Icon
David Beckham, worth an estimated $450 million, has long been a global ambassador for English football and British culture.
His work on and off the pitch—from lifting trophies with Manchester United and Real Madrid to spearheading countless philanthropic efforts—has now earned him one of the highest honors in the United Kingdom: a knighthood.
The title of “Sir” is traditionally granted by monarchs to individuals who demonstrate excellence in their fields over an extended period.
It is a testament to not just fame or wealth, but real, enduring contributions to society. With this recognition, Beckham joins a prestigious club that includes figures like Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Andy Murray, and Sir Lewis Hamilton.
Tommy Fleetwood’s Message: Class and Camaraderie
Tommy Fleetwood, known as much for his sportsmanship as his skill on the golf course, responded with genuine warmth and admiration upon hearing the news.2
On Saturday, the Englishman took to Instagram to post a congratulatory message via his Instagram Story.
“Huge congratulations and very well deserved, Sir David!!” Fleetwood wrote, using the newly earned honorific with pride.
Though simple in wording, the message held weight. Fleetwood, like many British athletes, grew up during Beckham’s golden years.
For him and countless others, Beckham was not just a footballer, but a role model—someone who showcased professionalism, flair, and humility in equal measure.
Understanding the Significance of Knighthood
Knighthood is not just ceremonial. In Britain, it carries deep cultural and historical meaning. The concept dates back to medieval times when knights were warriors loyal to the crown.
Today, it has evolved into a title of immense respect, awarded by the monarch to individuals who have served the nation in exceptional ways—whether through the arts, sciences, business, or sports.
Men who are knighted can use the title “Sir” before their name, while women receive the title “Dame.” It’s a signifier of distinguished merit. For example, “Sir David Beckham” now becomes his official honorific.
While the recipient receives the spotlight, it’s worth noting that their partners do not share the same title—wives of knights may use “Lady” before their surname (if adopting the knight’s surname), but husbands of dames do not receive any honorary designation.
Tommy Fleetwood’s Own Challenges at the 2025 U.S. Open
While Fleetwood’s tribute to Beckham was heartfelt, the golfer himself had a less than stellar week professionally.3
Competing in the 2025 U.S. Open, one of the four golf Majors, Fleetwood unfortunately missed the cut after two challenging rounds.
Known for his consistent play and humble demeanor, Fleetwood has long been considered one of the best players never to win a Major. Coming off strong performances earlier in the season, expectations were high.
However, golf can be an unforgiving sport, and the punishing layout of Oakmont Country Club—this year’s U.S. Open venue—proved too much for the Englishman.
Still, Fleetwood’s sportsmanship remains unwavering. Even amid personal disappointment, he made time to publicly acknowledge a momentous occasion in British sporting history.
A History of Athletes Honoring Each Other
Fleetwood’s gesture is part of a long-standing tradition among athletes to uplift and support one another.
Regardless of the sport, excellence is often appreciated across fields.
For British athletes in particular, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie. From Andy Murray congratulating Lewis Hamilton on his Formula One titles to Marcus Rashford praising fellow Britons for their activism, mutual respect runs deep.
Fleetwood’s acknowledgment of Beckham’s knighthood is not just about football or golf—it’s about celebrating British excellence in any form. His words reflect unity, patriotism, and a recognition that achievements in one arena uplift the entire nation.
Beckham’s Charitable Contributions: A Lesser-Known Legacy
While Beckham is most commonly remembered for his bending free kicks and iconic number 7 jersey, his charity work is equally noteworthy.
He has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2005 and has launched multiple initiatives aimed at protecting children worldwide.
His 7 Fund, for example, focuses on ending violence, ensuring access to education, and improving healthcare for children in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Beckham has also been involved in various disaster relief efforts, supported children’s hospitals, and promoted inclusive sporting environments for disabled and underprivileged youth. His work behind the scenes is perhaps what made the knighthood not only likely, but inevitable.
How Public Figures Inspire Future Generations
- Both Fleetwood and Beckham share something in common beyond nationality: their ability to inspire future generations.
- Beckham’s journey from working-class East London to international superstardom is the stuff of dreams.
- Fleetwood’s own rise—from a talented amateur in Southport to one of the most consistent players on the PGA and European Tours—offers another blueprint for success through hard work and integrity.
- By publicly celebrating Beckham’s knighthood, Fleetwood also sends a subtle message to young athletes: respect, humility, and generosity matter just as much as winning trophies.
- With an evolving monarchy under King Charles III, royal honors have increasingly recognized diverse talents—from classical musicians to environmental activists, and now, a soccer player known as much for his celebrity as for his humanitarian work.
- This shift in perspective makes honors like Beckham’s feel especially significant.
- It also sparks conversation about who might be next. Could we one day see Sir Tommy Fleetwood? If he captures a Major and continues his well-respected community involvement, the possibility isn’t far-fetched.
Also Read: Who are Tommy Fleetwood Parents?: Pete Fleetwood, Family Tree, Career & Net worth 2023
Tommy Fleetwood Misses the Cut at the 2025 US Open
The 2025 U.S. Open proved to be a difficult test for some of the world’s top golfers, and Tommy Fleetwood was no exception.
The Englishman, who had been enjoying a remarkably consistent season on the PGA Tour, missed the cut at Oakmont Country Club and took to Instagram with a candid message: “Golf is hard. Oakmont is hard…but I still would’ve loved a weekend round there.”
Fleetwood’s brief but heartfelt post captured the brutal honesty of a professional athlete navigating a low point in an otherwise steady year.
Here’s a deeper look into his U.S. Open disappointment, the tough conditions players faced, and what lies ahead for Fleetwood.
Oakmont: A Course That Humbled the Best
Oakmont Country Club, often regarded as one of the most challenging golf courses in the world, lived up to its reputation during the 2025 U.S. Open.
Narrow fairways, lightning-fast greens, and thick rough made for a grueling test, with many players struggling just to survive.
Tommy Fleetwood posted rounds of 74 and 75, finishing at 9-over-par after two days—just two strokes beyond the 7-over cut line. That narrow miss highlights how even the most consistent players can get tripped up by Oakmont’s notorious layout.
Fleetwood’s quote wasn’t just a lament—it was a recognition of how unforgiving the game can be. On a course like Oakmont, one poor bounce or a slight miscalculation can derail an entire round.
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A Streak Comes to an End
One of the most surprising aspects of Fleetwood’s early exit is that it marked his first missed cut of the 2025 season.
Coming into the U.S. Open, the 34-year-old had made 12 consecutive cuts, a streak that included high-level performances across multiple courses and conditions.
Fleetwood kicked off his year at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and went on to compete in all the biggest events without faltering.
His finishes at the majors—T21 at the Masters and T41 at the PGA Championship—weren’t podium-worthy, but they showed resilience and reliability. The missed cut at Oakmont, though disappointing, is more an outlier than a sign of deeper issues.
Brutal Conditions Across the Board
Fleetwood wasn’t alone in his struggles. Several big names also failed to make it to the weekend.
Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, former Masters winners Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson, and young stars like Ludvig Åberg and Joaquin Niemann all joined him on the sidelines after Friday.
The cutline at 7-over-par was a stark reminder of Oakmont’s teeth. After three rounds, only four players were under par, with Sam Burns leading at 4-under. The difficulty of the conditions was such that even par felt like a victory.
Fleetwood’s 9-over total, in another tournament, might have kept him around for the weekend. At Oakmont, though, it simply wasn’t enough.
Tommy Fleetwood’s Honest Reflection
What stood out about Fleetwood’s response wasn’t just the content, but the tone.
There was no anger or excuse-making, only an admission of reality. In a sport where self-belief is everything, that kind of vulnerability is rare and commendable.
His words—“Golf is hard. Oakmont is hard.”—resonated with fans and fellow players alike. It’s a sentiment every golfer, professional or amateur, can relate to. And it shows the kind of perspective that keeps athletes grounded during both success and setbacks.
The Bigger Picture: A Strong Season Continues
Even with the missed cut, Fleetwood’s 2025 season remains impressive. Making 12 consecutive cuts before the U.S. Open speaks volumes about his form and consistency.
Moreover, his finishes at the Masters and PGA Championship show he’s still a contender on the big stage.
Fleetwood has yet to win a major, and while the U.S. Open offered another opportunity, his path to victory in one of golf’s biggest events remains very much alive.
Many greats—like Phil Mickelson—waited years before capturing their first major. Fleetwood’s time could still be on the horizon.
The Elusive Major: Will Fleetwood Break Through?
Fleetwood has come close before. His runner-up finish at the 2018 U.S. Open and his near miss at the 2019 Open Championship are reminders that he has the game to contend with the best.
He’s regarded as one of the best players without a major title, and that list continues to shrink. The pressure mounts with each passing year, but Fleetwood, known for his calm demeanor and smooth swing, continues to show that he belongs in the conversation.
Perhaps this missed cut will serve as fuel for a strong finish to the year. With The Open Championship and the FedEx Cup Playoffs still ahead, the story of Fleetwood’s 2025 season is far from finished.
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