After years of near misses, gut-wrenching losses, and endless speculation about whether he could ever win in the United States, Tommy Fleetwood finally delivered on Sunday night.
For a sport often divided by rivalry, the sense of relief was unanimous.
Victory at the Tour Championship Comes with Big Rewards
Fleetwood’s patience over 164 PGA Tour starts was rewarded in spectacular fashion—a $10 million (£7.4m) prize for his three-shot win over Patrick Cantlay and Russell Henley at the Tour Championship.
While the money is undoubtedly eye-watering, the true satisfaction comes from finally overcoming a pattern of falling just short at the biggest moments.
A Career of Near Misses
Before this victory, Fleetwood had an astonishing record of almost winning: six runner-up finishes, six third-place finishes, and 30 top-five results.
That’s not even counting the times he led tournaments late but couldn’t seal the deal—twice in the past nine weeks, he held a two-shot advantage going into the final three holes.
At East Lake, he once again led by two, but this time he finally changed the narrative, proving he can close out the most lucrative stops on the Tour.
Fleetwood Savors the Moment
“I am proud of what I have done before, whether I won or not, and this doesn’t change that,” Fleetwood said after holing a one-foot putt to clinch the title.
“Hopefully this win is the first of many to come. I am so happy to get it done. It is just so special.”
Staying Composed Under Pressure
Given Fleetwood had to sleep on a shared 54-hole lead with Cantlay, nerves were expected.
He had lost significant final-round leads earlier in the season—at the Travelers Championship in June and again in Memphis to Justin Rose—so the pressure was real.
Despite a few shaky moments, he held a three-shot lead at the turn after a front-nine 33
The back nine saw no sustained challenge, and Fleetwood carded a 68 to finish at 18 under par.
That was four shots better than Scottie Scheffler, whose world No.1 presence could have added extra pressure—but his charge never fully materialized.
“I hope there are many more chances to go. When you’ve had as many close calls and let a few slip, a three-shot lead on the last doesn’t feel too much,” Fleetwood said.
“I love coming to work every day to compete against the best in the world.
You are constantly striving to improve against these amazing players. I feel so proud to have won this tournament.”
Ryder Cup Implications
The Tour Championship results also feed into Ryder Cup speculation. US captain Keegan Bradley finished seventh, boosting the argument that he should pick himself for the team.
If he does, he would become the first playing captain since 1963.
Fleetwood, Cantlay, and Henley—who will all face off at the Ryder Cup next month—were key figures at East Lake, while Scottie Scheffler finished just one shot behind.
European Team Updates
On the European side, Rasmus Hojgaard secured his place as the sixth automatic qualifier for Luke Donald’s team with a 13th-place finish at the British Masters, won by Alex Noren at the Belfry.
This means Shane Lowry is now in line for a captain’s pick from Donald, expected to be formalized on September 1.
Matt Fitzpatrick’s spot carries a little more uncertainty, but his strong summer form, including a sixth-place finish at the Belfry, suggests he will likely receive backing from Donald.
A Long-Awaited Triumph
For Fleetwood, Sunday night’s win isn’t just about money or ranking points—it’s the culmination of years of effort, near misses, and perseverance.
Finally, he has silenced the doubts and proven he can win on golf’s biggest stages.
