Tommy Fleetwood Targets World Number One Ranking in 2026

Introduction: A New Chapter for English Golf Star

Tommy Fleetwood has set his sights on becoming the best golfer in the world as he starts 2026 at the Dubai Invitational riding high on the Official World Golf Ranking. The 34-year-old Englishman enters the new season with unprecedented momentum, having achieved his first win on the PGA TOUR at the TOUR Championship and reached a career-high World Number Three ranking. This remarkable ascent positions Fleetwood as one of golf’s most compelling stories heading into 2026.

Breaking Through in 2025

Fleetwood’s transformation over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. The second half of 2025 saw the 2017 Race to Dubai winner take his reputation to new heights, with a maiden win on the PGA TOUR, an eighth DP World Tour win and a starring role in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory sending his stock soaring. After years of consistent performances, the Dubai resident finally secured that elusive PGA Tour victory at one of golf’s biggest events, the season-ending TOUR Championship.

The Englishman has been comfortably sat inside the world’s top 50 for almost nine years, with the bulk of that time in the top 20 as he established himself as one of the game’s most consistent performers worldwide. This consistency has been built on exceptional ball-striking and just 11 missed cuts worldwide in five years while also racking up four victories, 13 other top threes and 28 other top tens across the same period.

The Road to Number One

Despite his lofty ranking, Fleetwood remains realistic about the challenge ahead. He sits behind just runaway leader Scottie Scheffler and career Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy, both widely considered the current best players in the world. However, this hasn’t diminished his ambition. When asked about challenging for the top spot, Fleetwood acknowledged the gap but expressed his determination to close it.

Perhaps most significantly, Fleetwood admitted he didn’t really contend at all in the majors during 2025, identifying this as a key area for improvement. He plans to work in a way that can keep him as consistent as possible throughout the whole year, with particular focus on the four major championships that make a huge difference to any player’s legacy.

Conclusion: A Defining Season Ahead

As 2026 begins, Tommy Fleetwood stands at a career crossroads with unprecedented opportunities. His recent form suggests he’s not simply riding a hot streak but has genuinely elevated his game to elite level. With commitments to key events including the Dubai Invitational and Hero Dubai Desert Classic already confirmed, golf fans can expect to see Fleetwood competing at the highest level throughout the season. Whether he can overcome the dominance of Scheffler and McIlroy remains to be seen, but his journey promises to be one of the most captivating storylines in professional golf this year. For British golf supporters and fans worldwide, Fleetwood’s pursuit of major championship glory and world number one status will provide compelling viewing throughout 2026.