​SOUTHPORT, England — As a kid growing up in Southport, Tommy Fleetwood regarded Royal Birkdale virtually as off limits — except for those rare occasions he sneaked on to hit some shots while accompanying his father on evening dog walks.“Hallowed turf,” is how a young, wide-eyed Fleetwood viewed the course in this golf-crazed corner of northwest England that, every few years, would welcome the world’s best players for The Open.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHis dream of making it there himself one day and lifting the claret jug — a scenario which, who knows, might just happen on the 18th green at Birkdale — began a 10-minute drive down the road in more humble environs.Southport Municipal, a club that proudly labels itself as England’s oldest municipal links course, staged a junior program on Monday nights and it was there where Fleetwood’s golfing journey launched around age 6.And it’s why Will Burke, a 40-year-old from Birmingham, Alabama, pitched up there with his father, Randy. They paid $25 each to play 18 holes under a gorgeous blue sky.“We’re here for the golf this week,” Will said, “and we met with some locals who were really complimentary about the place and said it’s right down the street from where we’re staying.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“When you hear the story about Tommy Fleetwood’s origins and how he got started in the Southport area, that’s the cherry on top.”Nothing inside this muni’s modest club shop, or indeed anywhere at the course, points to Fleetwood being its most famous son. Strangely, there’s not a mention of him anywhere.Look further afield around these parts, though, and it’s clear this popular golfer with distinctive flowing locks and a forever-friendly manner is a hometown hero.There’s a mural of Fleetwood — pumping his fists and wearing his blue Team Europe Ryder Cup uniform — on the wall of Southport & Birkdale Sports Club.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere’s the Tommy Fleetwood Academy at nearby Formby Hall golf club, where he first became a member and won his only club championship as a kid. Youngsters from the academy have lined up for autographs from Fleetwood next to the practice putting green.There’s been no bigger buzz during the practice days than when the 35-year-old Fleetwood has been on the course.“It’s very rare to have an opportunity to play a tournament, let alone The Open, in the town where you grew up in front of fans that were all there to support you,” Fleetwood said.“To see people emotionally invested in you … I think it’s very special. It definitely doesn’t go unnoticed by me.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe natural question is, will it heap too much pressure on him?Fleetwood sees it as “really, really positive fuel.”“If I just go back to the original me being an 8-year-old kid, the thought of playing in an Open at Birkdale was unbelievably special,” he said. “So if you’