Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood lifts lid on Bryson DeChambeau controversy and next Europe captain

"Again, Ryder Cup, I thought the situation got blown out of proportion from the minute it happened," Fleetwood revealed.

"I think it's obvious to see on the TV, Justin wanted his space, like he was getting ready to hit, and he wanted his space. Could have said it in a nicer way, probably, like he said, but an intense moment.

"I was right there when he apologised straightaway.

"At that point, like, it's done."

The flashpoint occurred on the 16th green when DeChambeau's caddie positioned himself directly in Rose's eyeline as the Englishman prepared to putt.

Rose's frustration boiled over as he demanded the caddie move away, sparking the confrontation that would dominate headlines.

Fleetwood, who was partnering Rose in the fourballs match, watched as his teammate sank the putt despite the distraction, prompting celebrations from the European pair.

The tension escalated during the walk to the 17th tee, with both sides exchanging heated words in what became one of the tournament's most controversial moments.

Despite the encounter, Fleetwood and Rose maintained their focus to defeat DeChambeau and world No1 Scottie Scheffler, securing a crucial point in Europe's eventual victory on American soil.

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Looking ahead to Europe's future leadership, with current captain Donald still refusing to confirm his future, Fleetwood believes Francesco Molinari possesses the credentials to potentially succeed Luke Donald as captain.

The Italian, who served as vice-captain in both Rome and New York, boasts an exceptional Ryder Cup playing record with victories in all three of his appearances.

"I think the respect he has from his peers and the players, his accomplishments and his experience, I think goes a long way to being a Ryder Cup Captain," Fleetwood stated.

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The pair famously partnered during Europe's 2018 triumph in Paris, where they earned the nickname 'Moliwood' after Molinari achieved a flawless five-point haul.

Fleetwood revealed he has discussed the captaincy prospect with Molinari on multiple occasions, suggesting the Turin native would command significant support from European players.

"I think the ball is probably in Luke's court, and I think he's earned that," he admitted, however.

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Another suggestion had been Rose - Fleetwood doesn't think he will be leaving the course any time soon, though.

"Justin is going to be playing in the Ryder Cup when he's 102 years old, maybe! Like we might have to wait a while for Justin to be a captain.

"Whether it's Luke or anybody else, I think we have an amazing blueprint as Team Europe and I think we have amazing captains lying in wait that will do an amazing job."

The Nicklaus-Jacklin Award for sportsmanship came as an unexpected honour for Fleetwood, particularly given the tournament's contentious atmosphere.

"It was a nice surprise, actually. It's one of those awards that you don't obviously have it as a goal because you just are out there playing golf," he admitted.

"I know Justin got it two years ago. We are the only two that won this award. I always try and set like good examples to my kids and to everyone else. And to have an award that for that is really sweet.

"I try and play the way that I would respect playing against in that sense."