Among the near misses was the 2018 US Open, when Fleetwood had an eight-foot (2.4-metre) putt for a record round of 62 and a play-off, but it slid by the hole and Brooks Koepka won by a stroke. Then there was the 2023 Canadian Open, when Nick Taylor sank a miracle 22m putt for eagle on the fourth play-off hole.
His most recent collapse, at the Travelers Championship in June, was excruciating. Having led by two shots with three holes to play, Fleetwood bogeyed on 16 and again on 18, missing a close-range par putt, before US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley stole the trophy with a birdie.
“I’m upset now; I’m angry,” said Fleetwood who, before that, always said just being in contention was a privilege.
Tommy Fleetwood with the Fedex Cup – his first PGA trophy.Credit: Getty Images
Two months later, Fleetwood said it would be “funny” if he broke his duck at the Tour Championship in a glitzy field of the top 30 on the PGA Tour’s money list. But here it is. And if the response to Fleetwood’s overdue breakthrough has proven anything, it is that he has indeed been a “good person first”.
Much-loved around the circuit for his generous nature, he is also popular with golf enthusiasts, and is even the subject of an Instagram account titled Tommy Fleetwood’s Hair, accompanied by the tagline: “Official Profile for Tommy’s majestic hair (Sinking Putts and Skipping Cuts).”
Justin Rose, who got the better of Fleetwood at this month’s FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, was greenside to film his friend’s final putt and celebrations on his phone. “Tommy F’ing Fleetwood … Legend,” the veteran tweeted.
LeBron also tweeted his support as Fleetwood lengthened his lead in the closing holes.
“This feels like the day,” James posted.
Tiger Woods joined in with: “Your journey is a reminder that hard work, resilience, and heart do pay off. No one deserves it more. Congrats @TommyFleetwood1 !”
And his English Premier League team, Everton FC, wrote: “Lifelong Evertonian. PGA Tour title winner”.
Rory McIlroy, who finished far down the leaderboard tied for 23, left East Lake singing the praises of Fleetwood’s positive attitude and resilience – qualities Fleetwood acknowledged do not always come easily.
“It’s easy to say you’re resilient, but it’s hard when you have to be,” Fleetwood said. “I feel lucky I’ve had to show that side of myself, and I feel lucky that it’s paid off.”
