At Glance
‣ 17-year-old amateur golfer Oscar Craig, stepson of World No. 11 Tommy Fleetwood, made the cut in his Challenge Tour debut at the UAE Challenge, showcasing his talent and composure under pressure.
‣ Despite experiencing late-round nerves and a shaky back nine, Craig managed a bogey-free 69 in the opening round and finished the second round with a one-over-par 73, demonstrating resilience and the ability to perform under stress.
‣ Tommy Fleetwood, serving as Craig’s caddie for the week, played a crucial role in keeping Craig focused and making strategic decisions on the course, highlighting the importance of teamwork and support in achieving success in professional golf.
Oscar you earned your way into your first @Challenge_Tour event with your hard work and talent! So proud to witness you make the cut against this quality field. Golf is great!!!
— Tommy Fleetwood (@TommyFleetwood1)
Oscar Craig, just 17 and brimming with raw talent, stepped onto the Challenge Tour with a mix of excitement and jitters. His debut? Nothing short of a rollercoaster. With World No. 11 Tommy Fleetwood by his side, doubling as his caddie, the dynamics were intriguing. Fleetwood isn’t just any pro golfer; he’s Craig’s stepdad.
The young amateur kicked things off with a stellar 69, not a single bogey in sight. But then, the back nine happened. It got shaky, testing his resolve. Yet, he managed to stand his ground, marking himself as the sole amateur to push through to the weekend’s rounds at the UAE Challenge.
Round two was a bit of a mixed bag. A 73 on the card, featuring a couple of birdies against four bogeys. This left him tied for 42nd. “Emotions were a wild ride,” Craig admitted. The pressure of the last hole was intense. Needing a par to stay safe, he thought, “Let’s just do this.” And he did, but with a birdie, no less. “I was over the moon,” he shared.
Relief and joy washed over him. “It’s like a dream,” he said, reflecting on his initial goal to simply make the cut. But it was more than that. He wanted to give his all, to every single shot. And that’s exactly what he did, soaking in the experience of his first professional event.
The day had its ups and downs. Starting strong with a birdie on the second, he stumbled with a bogey on the fourth. Yet, he bounced back, nailing another birdie on the ninth. It’s this rollercoaster that makes golf, well, golf.
And let’s not forget the support system. Fleetwood, not just a stepdad but a mentor and guide, shared his pride on social media. “Oscar you earned your way into your first @Challenge_Tour event with your hard work and talent! So proud to witness you make the cut against this quality field. Golf is great!!!” he tweeted, alongside a heartwarming pic of the two.
The back nine on day two was tough, with bogeys threatening to derail his efforts. Yet, Craig ended on a high note, a masterful chip and a tap-in for par, followed by a heartfelt embrace with Fleetwood. Reflecting on the experience, Craig was full of praise for Fleetwood’s caddying skills. “He’s been unreal,” Craig said. Keeping him focused, especially when the going got tough on the front nine of the second day. Together, they navigated each shot, a team in the truest sense.
So, what’s the takeaway? Golf is unpredictable, exhilarating, and, at times, downright nerve-wracking. But with hard work, talent, and a bit of guidance, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Just ask Oscar Craig.
