Fleetwood Claims First PGA Tour Victory at Tour Championship

A Long-Awaited Victory

ATLANTA – Tommy Fleetwood finally did it.
After 164 starts on the PGA Tour, the Englishman claimed his first win on Sunday at the Tour Championship. He shot a 2-under 68 to finish at 18 under par, three shots ahead of Russell Henley and Patrick Cantlay at East Lake Golf Club.

Fleetwood’s victory also earned him the FedEx Cup and a $10 million prize. It was a long road, filled with near-misses and frustration.

“Anyone can say they’re tough,” Fleetwood said. “But it means more when you have to prove it.”

A Career of Almosts

Before this win, Fleetwood had achieved success elsewhere. He had seven victories on the DP World Tour and three more internationally. But the PGA Tour had remained out of reach—until now.

His 30 top-five finishes without a win were the most in PGA Tour history over the past 100 years, according to ESPN. He had also earned over $33 million—more than any other player without a win.

“I always believed it would happen,” he said. “But doubt was always there in the background.”

Recent Heartbreaks

Fleetwood had come close twice in recent months.
At the Travelers Championship in June, he led going into the final hole but three-putted to lose to Keegan Bradley. Two weeks ago, at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, he had a two-shot lead with three holes to play but faltered late and finished tied for third.

“Winning on the PGA Tour was something I really wanted,” he said. “I didn’t need it, but I felt like I had to get it done.”

How the Final Round Played Out

Fleetwood stayed calm under pressure.
After a bogey on the 10th cut his lead to one, he responded with birdies on the 12th and 13th to go back up by three. Cantlay bogeyed the 16th, ending his comeback hopes. Fleetwood held a comfortable lead going into the final hole.

He also became the first player to win his maiden PGA Tour title at East Lake.

Scheffler Falls Short

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler struggled early.
His opening tee shot went out of bounds, and he made bogey to fall five shots behind. He fought back with four birdies but hit into the water on the 15th, leading to a double bogey.

Scheffler finished at 14 under, tied for fourth—his 14th straight top-10 finish. That ties Jack Nicklaus’ 1977 streak for the longest in 50 years.

Corey Conners shot a stunning 62 to also tie for fourth. Cameron Young (66) joined them.

“I wasn’t as sharp as I wanted to be,” Scheffler said. “But I gave myself a chance.”

Bradley Faces Ryder Cup Decision

U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley started the day three shots behind the leaders. But like Scheffler, he struggled. A tee shot into the water on 15 led to a double bogey.

Bradley will announce his six captain’s picks on Wednesday. One of the toughest choices? Whether to pick himself.

“This is the biggest decision of my life,” he said. “But all I care about is that we win the Ryder Cup on Sunday.”

There hasn’t been a playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. Bradley is ranked No. 13 in the world and trails only Scheffler in PGA Tour wins this year.

“No one wants this more than Keegan,” said Maverick McNealy, 10th in Ryder Cup points. “He’ll do what’s best for the team.”

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