Tommy Fleetwood has always been regarded as golf’s Mr. Nice Guy. Loved by fans and respected by his peers, the Dubai-based star finally shook off the tag of “best player without a PGA TOUR win” after capturing the coveted FedEx Cup at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta on Sunday.
The long haired Englishman from Merseyside, which is famous for the Beatles and Premier League sides Liverpool and Everton and sealed victory with a composed 2 under 68 for a 262 (-18) total, three shots clear of American duo Patrick Cantlay and Russell Henley, both at -15.
The win, his first in the United States after a string of close calls, was celebrated throughout the sport. Golfing legends from Tiger Woods to Justin Rose commended Fleetwood for his steadfast perseverance and remarkable grit.
Fleetwood, 34, had previously claimed eight titles globally, including some of the DP World Tour’s prestigious events, but victory in the U.S. had long eluded him.
Unbroken spirit
After suffering from the painful void during the Travellers Championship in June and the FedEx St. Jude Championship this month, his suffering only grew. Both of these tournaments saw him capture winning positions, only to self-destruct in the closing rounds. Each of these near wins tested his resolve, and the only response he had was a never-say-die attitude.
“Like any normal person, I get disappointed, I get sad, I get angry,” Fleetwood said earlier this week. “But at the same time, I think I have a good awareness that there’s no point in making things a negative experience. You have to learn from everything and try to do the best you can.”
This determination saw him through the TOUR Championship, the final event of the PGA TOUR season and the conclusion of the FedExCup Playoffs.
Composure under pressure
Starting the final round with a narrow lead, Tommy Fleetwood produced a composed performance under pressure. Birdies at the sixth, seventh, 12th, and 13th holes offset early hiccups before he arrived at the 18th to the accompaniment of fans chanting his name. Adoration well deserved for someone who has never believed in giving up..
“The door was getting further and further open for me as the round went on,” Tommy Fleetwood said at East Lake. “It’s just always been in my mind, I’ve been a PGA TOUR winner for a long time. It feels so special to finally say it out loud.”
The victory resonated in Dubai, where Fleetwood has made his home and has fully embraced the Emirate’s growing golfing scene.
He is also an ambassador for DP World and runs the Tommy Fleetwood Academy at Jumeirah Golf Estates, where he has mentored young players and passionately invested in grassroots golf.
UAE cheers Fleetwood’s triumph
For UAE fans, this FedEx Cup win is as much of a win for Fleetwood as it is for them.
Fleetwood’s tale has always been one of a survivor. His 30 top-fives and 44 top-10s prior to this first victory on the PGA TOUR are the most of any player in more than 40 years. But rather than get discouraged, he told himself to stay positive and see what he could do.
“He just keeps getting knocked down and gets back up and comes back better,” Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry said. “Nobody deserves this more.”
Heading
For golf’s “Mr. Nice Guy,” the ultimate act of comeuppance has finally been served.