Tommy Fleetwood has demonstrated a remarkable ability to handle both victories and defeats with grace. His trophy case is filling up faster than he could have ever imagined, but his focus has shifted to what he still lacks. This is part of what makes Fleetwood one of golf's most intriguing figures. Scottie Scheffler has been the better player, reaffirming that with six wins and two major titles, bringing him closer to a career Grand Slam.
Rory McIlroy, for his part, had a memorable season full of emotions, from the joy of winning the Masters to his defiance of the boos at the Ryder Cup.
The connection with the fans
Fleetwood has won over fans by handling both tough losses and victories with grace and honesty. This Sunday, he was crowned champion of the DP World India Championship, marking his third win in three months, including the Ryder Cup, which was perhaps the most significant. However, his mind is already on the final two events of the European Tour and next year's major tournaments, where he feels he needs to improve.
Reflections on their performance
“Despite how well the season has gone, it’s been a poor year at the majors for me,” Fleetwood said, acknowledging that he failed to achieve a top-10 finish in any of the four major tournaments for the first time since 2021. “I wasn’t close to competing in those tournaments, and that’s something I’ll look back on with a bit of disappointment, but I’ll also learn from it for next year.”.
The mindset of a competitor
Fleetwood is always focused on the next challenge, without excuses or complaints. “There’s always something to play for. There’s always something else that comes up,” he said. Throughout his career, he has faced tough moments, such as when Brooks Koepka beat him at the U.S. Open or when Nick Taylor defeated him with an eagle putt at the Canadian Open.
The importance of attitude
“I’m upset and angry,” he said after the loss at the Travelers Championship. However, he isn’t letting this affect his future. Fleetwood has proven to be adept at both winning and losing, which allows him to easily connect with others. A significant moment was at the Canadian Open two years ago, where, despite being one win away from his first PGA Tour title, he celebrated Taylor’s victory with a genuine smile.
Looking to the future
Now, after his recent successes, he allows himself no moment of complacency. “I remain motivated to be the best I can be and I look forward to working and practicing,” he concluded. With tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on the horizon, and his sights set on the majors, Fleetwood continues to seek his place in golf history.
