Golf can be cruel. One moment you’re leading with history in sight, the next you’re walking off the green gutted. That’s exactly what happened to Tommy Fleetwood on Sunday.
The 34-year-old Englishman, still chasing his first PGA Tour win, held a one-shot lead walking up to the 18th green at TPC River Highlands. But a three-putt bogey, paired with Keegan Bradley’s birdie, flipped the script.
Fleetwood, who had led for most of the final round, played the last three holes in two over. Bradley, meanwhile, closed in one under to snatch a one-stroke victory at 15-under.
“Keegan made birdie, so fair play to him, but still feel like from where I was, I should at least be in a playoff. So, yeah, it’s a crappy way to finish,” Fleetwood said post round.
“I’m upset now. I’m gutted. I’m angry,” he continued. “When it calms down, I’ll look at the things I did well, look at the things I can learn from.”
This marked Fleetwood’s 42nd top-10 finish on the PGA Tour without a win, the most by any player since 1983. But, despite all this, with 7 DP World Tour titles and 3 Ryder Cup appearances, his American Tour breakthrough remains elusive.
“Right now I would love to just go and sulk somewhere,” he admitted. “And maybe I will do. But there’s just no point making it a negative for the future. Take the positives and move on.”
Though Fleetwood failed to shut his critics this time, what made him a fan favorite was his post-round media appearance.
Tommy Fleetwood earns praise for poise
Players aren’t obligated to face the media after a loss. Many don’t—Rory McIlroy skipped interviews after his U.S. Open heartbreak.
Collin Morikawa did the same earlier this season. But Fleetwood showed up. Visibly emotional, he answered every question.
“If Tommy can talk after that, then I think anyone can talk after pretty much any tournament,” tweeted Kyle Porter, founder of the Normal Sport newsletter.
Golf writer Michael McEwan added, “So much respect for Tommy Fleetwood speaking on TV after an utterly gut-wrenching loss. Absolute class… Magnanimity personified.” He ad
“Credit to Tommy Fleetwood for still taking the time to speak with the media after a heartbreaking loss. Class act,” posted @OfficialTourPro.
Fleetwood’s grace under pressure echoed Jack Nicklaus’s recent call for players to face the media, no matter the result.
During the Memorial Tournament, Nicklaus emphasized that accountability builds character, and Fleetwood just gave a masterclass in it.
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