After numerous close calls, taunts, and doubts about his ability to claim victory in the US, Tommy Fleetwood finally achieved success on Sunday night. In a sport often marked by division, his triumph was a relief shared by all.
Fleetwood’s persistence finally paid off after 164 PGA Tour starts, earning him an incredible $10 million (£7.4m) for his three-shot win over Patrick Cantlay and Russell Henley at the Tour Championship.
Undoubtedly, such a substantial sum will ease the long wait’s frustration, yet for Fleetwood, financial gains are secondary to his many close calls without a victory.
With six runner-up finishes, another six third-place finishes, and an impressive 30 top-five placements, Fleetwood’s record speaks volumes. Moreover, he twice led tournaments by two strokes in the final three holes over the past nine weeks.
He held the same advantage at East Lake, but this time he ended the narrative about his ability to close at the most lucrative Tour stop of all.
Tommy Fleetwood is finally a PGA Tour winner after sealing victory at the Tour Championship
Fleetwood was emotional after beating Patrick Cantlay to the title – and the $10million prize
‘I am proud of what I have achieved before, regardless of winning or not, and this doesn’t change that,’ declared Fleetwood, who celebrated after sinking a one-foot putt for victory.
‘Hopefully this win is the first of many to come. I am so happy to get it done. It is just so special.’
Many assumed Fleetwood would battle significant nerves after sharing the 54-hole lead with Cantlay. With notable final-round lead losses at the Travelers Championship in June and recently in Memphis to Justin Rose, these assumptions were justified.
In line with expectation, there were shaky moments, but he hit the turn with a three-shot lead after going out in 33 and benefitted from no sustained chase on the way back in as he carded a 68. His 18 under par total was four better than Scottie Scheffler, whose presence had the potential to inspire a few extra doubts than Cantlay, but the world No1’s charge never materialised.
Fleetwood added: ‘I hope there are many more chances to go. When you have had as many close calls and let a few slip, a three-shot lead on the last doesn’t feel too much.
‘I love coming to work every day to compete against the best ion the world. You are consistently striving to be better against these amazing players you aspire to beat. I feel so proud to have won this tournament.’
US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley finished seventh, heightening the argument that he ought to pick himself when he names his team on Wednesday. If he does, he will be the first playing captain since 1963.
Fleetwood carded 68 for an 18 under par total, seeing off Cantlay and Henley, who will be up against him at the Ryder Cup next month. Scottie Scheffler was one further back.
The delighted Englishman lifts the trophy aloft on the 18th green at East Lake, Atlanta
Fleetwood plays his tee shot on the 18th, with his adoring fans filming the historic moment
US captain Keegan Bradley finished seventh, heightening the argument that he ought to pick himself when he names his team on Wednesday. If he does, he will be the first playing captain since 1963.
Earlier, Rasmus Hojgaard secured his place as the sixth automatic qualifier for Luke Donald’s team by finishing 13th at the British Masters, which was won at the Belfry by Alex Noren.
Hojgaard’s elevation means Shane Lowry is now in need of a pick from Luke Donald, though that is expected to be a formality on September 1.
A fraction more doubt hangs over Matt Fitzpatrick, but his resurgent form this summer, coupled with a sixth-placed finish at the Belfry, means he is likely to be backed by Donald.
