Tommy Fleetwood is hoping to use last season’s near-miss as a benchmark as he aims to secure his maiden World Golf Championships crown at the Chapultepec Golf Club.
The Englishman finished one stroke behind World Number One Dustin Johnson in sole second at the 2017 WGC-Mexico Championship and Fleetwood is hoping he can replicate his stunning Sunday form, where he nearly caught the American with carded a five-under-par 66, over four rounds at this year’s event.
“My game is getting better all the time,” the 27 year old said. “I'm consistently working hard and I feel like I'm always doing the right things. My confidence is up.
“Anytime you come back somewhere that you've got good memories from and good experiences, it's always nice and it's the extra little boost of confidence.
“It's nice to see holes and remember the good shots that you've hit and have that nice feeling. I've got a good eye for the course so hopefully it will stand me in good stead.”
Fleetwood has been in terrific form in the early part of the season, with two sixth-placed finishes and victory at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship from his three events, and the reigning Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex winner believes he is ready to mix it up with some of the best golfers in the world.
“I think in this event, in a world-class field on a world stage, and actually performing like I did on a Sunday and having a chance in the end to win, is a massive confidence booster for me.
“It just pushed me on even further really and just gave me that belief that when I do play well, I can compete towards the end of a big tournament with the world's best players.
'I've got a good eye for the course so hopefully it will stand me in good stead - Tommy Fleetwood
“This year has been great so far. After having such a good year (last season), it's always important to keep going, just like Justin Thomas has done this year. He just keeps progressing.
Fleetwood was two shots behind Thomas in last week’s Honda Classic to finish in fourth as the American defeated compatriot Luke List for his second title of the 2018 campaign.
Thomas has made the cut in all eight events he has entered this season and as a result has moved to World Number Three in the Official World Golf Rankings, with the 24 year old explaining the reasons behind his consistent form.
“I feel like I have a lot more control over my game than maybe I did last year,” he said. “In terms of a consistency factor, just everything is tightened up a lot more which I really like.
“I think that is going to propel me to have more chances to win golf tournaments.”
