Tommy Fleetwood held his composure to clinch the Tour Championship, finally capturing his first PGA Tour victory on his 164th attempt.
The 34-year-old Englishman was visibly emotional after sinking the decisive putt on the 18th green, celebrating with arms aloft as fans chanted his name.
His close friend and Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose recorded the moment on his phone as Fleetwood sealed a three-shot win on 18 under par, lifting both the Tour Championship trophy and the FedEx Cup, along with the $10 million (£7.4m) winner’s prize.
“When you’ve lost so many times, a three-shot lead on the last doesn’t feel like that much,” joked Fleetwood, his eyes brimming with tears. He paid tribute to the fans, adding: “They are amazing. I’m so lucky with the support I get. It’s so special and I hope everyone knows how grateful I am.”
Fleetwood’s breakthrough adds an eighth professional title to his career, though his previous seven all came on the European-based DP World Tour.
Twice this season he had held, or shared, the lead going into the final round of a PGA Tour event only to fall short. His record of 30 career top-five finishes, including six this year, had made him the most consistent player without a win on the US circuit.
“You just keep learning,” Fleetwood said. “This probably wasn’t the most comfortable because, as they rack up, you start to think of things. But I’ve tried to keep a great attitude throughout. This is hopefully just one win, the first of many. You cannot win plenty if you don’t win the first one.”
Fleetwood’s triumph marks a historic milestone. He becomes the first player in the FedEx Cup era, dating back to 2007, to earn his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Tour Championship, and only the second Englishman to do so after Rose in 2018. He also became the first golfer to finish inside the top six in every round of the FedEx Cup play-offs, closing the 12-round series at 43 under par.
His victory, achieved with assurance and resilience, offers European golf fans renewed optimism ahead of next month’s Ryder Cup in New York.
Source: BBC
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