Tommy Fleetwood’s Familiar Struggles
Tommy Fleetwood is well aware of the questions that await him, and he handles them with poise, even managing to smile. The 34-year-old English golfer is no stranger to the disappointment of coming close without securing a win.
“As disappointed as I am, I have to find the strength to turn this into a positive experience,” Fleetwood remarked after starting the final round of the St. Jude Championship in the lead but finishing just one shot shy of a playoff.
Fleetwood stands out as one of the best players in PGA Tour history yet to win a tournament, a reality he faces consistently. His latest near win took place in Memphis, kicking off the FedEx Cup playoffs, where Justin Rose clinched victory in a playoff.
With a two-shot lead entering the 16th hole at TPC Southwind, Fleetwood faltered, finishing the last three holes at 1-over par. He parred the reachable par-5 16th, but stumbled with a bogey on the 17th, missing a 7-foot putt. His final hole drive went into a bunker, ending his best chance for a birdie to join the playoff with Rose and J.J. Spaun.
Despite the challenges, Fleetwood remains optimistic. “Every experience, every close call—there’s no reason to let them negatively influence what comes next. What good would that do?” he stated to reporters, acknowledging his accomplishments throughout the tournament.
Fleetwood’s sports psychologist, Bob Rotella, supported his viewpoint, emphasizing that Fleetwood is playing well, continuously seeking wins while enjoying being in contention. “He’s focused on the positives until he finally gets that win,” Rotella stated in a message.
Ultimately, Fleetwood’s ongoing journey illustrates a common psychological challenge faced by athletes: as they strive to avoid repeating past failures, they risk further anxiety. The path forward for him involves acceptance, self-awareness, and a determination to confront his internal challenges head-on.
