Tommy Fleetwood Drops 5-Word Confession After Another PGA Tour Heartbreak

It was a scene golf fans had witnessed before: Tommy Fleetwood in contention on Sunday, the trophy within reach, and all eyes on whether this would finally be his day. The air in Memphis was thick with anticipation, as the Englishman stepped onto the tee knowing history could be just 18 holes away.

Tommy Fleetwood led the 2025 St. Jude Championship after three rounds, poised for his first PGA Tour win. Justin Rose was in second, and J.J. Spaun tied for fourth. But in the final round, his lead vanished, and he missed the playoff, watching Rose and Spaun vie for the title. Speechless, he was left heartbroken.

“I’m obviously going to be disappointed. I think — I said last time, there’s a lot of positives to take, as much as I don’t really — I won’t feel like that right now. I’m just going to look at what I feel like I could have done and how close it was.” He said this during his final-round interview in Memphis. Fleetwood’s reaction was the raw honesty of a player who had been on the cusp all week. He knew his game was good enough to win the leaderboard after three rounds proved it, but a few missed chances in the final stretch turned a winning position into another near-miss. In that moment, he wasn’t ready to talk about positives, but deep down, he understood they were there. The mindset was clear: learn from what slipped away, tighten the mistakes, and get back in position to finally close one out.

“You know, we move on.” That five-word message sums up Fleetwood’s resilient mindset after suffering his second heartbreak of the season. “There’s another week that’s next and I’ve just got to reflect on today and obviously keep pushing forward and try and put myself in that position again,” Fleetwood added. As both a player and a sportsman, he’s determined not to let this setback define his entire year. Instead, he’s focused on reflecting, pushing forward, and getting back into contention, ready to chase that elusive first PGA Tour victory once again.

Earlier this season, Fleetwood experienced a similar near-miss at the Travelers Championship, where he came up just one stroke short against Keegan Bradley. That narrow loss marked his first heartbreak, setting a pattern of close calls that continue to test his resolve. After that tough loss, Fleetwood spoke to the media. Instead of feeling sorry for himself over the final mistake, a three-putt bogey on the last hole, he promised to keep trying. To him, the loss was just another step on the road to winning. His main feeling was determination.

“I would love to just go and sulk somewhere, and maybe I will do,” Fleetwood said. “But there’s just no point making it a negative for the future, really, just take the positives and move on.” Fleetwood said during the Travelers Championship. Fleetwood admitted the loss stung, but refused to dwell on it. He’s focused on the positives and moving forward, knowing setbacks are part of the game.

“I just want to make sure that I can put myself in this position as soon as possible again and try and correct what I did this time.” As if his words were magic, Fleetwood found himself in a similar spot again at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, Tennessee. This tournament is the first part of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. He started strong with rounds of 63 and 64, then shot a one-under 69 on Saturday.

Now, heading into Sunday’s final round, Fleetwood once again came up just short, missing victory by a single stroke to Justin Rose. The loss stings, but moving on is the only option Fleetwood has and the best one to keep chasing his breakthrough.

The loss stings for Tommy Fleetwood, but losing to Justin Rose might not feel like a regret. Their deep friendship and mutual respect soften the blow, making the competition between them more about pride and motivation than rivalry.

The Loss Stings, But Friendship Softens the Blow

Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose share more than just a leaderboard; they share a deep friendship forged over years of competing side by side. Fleetwood, still chasing his first PGA Tour win, openly admires Rose’s experience and success. “Justin is someone that I’ve looked up to,” Fleetwood said after 54 holes at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. “He’s always been one of my closest people out here on TOUR, and he’s had such an amazing career. I enjoy playing against the best and learning from the guys who have done so well.” Their relationship goes beyond rivalry; it’s a source of support and motivation for both as they chase victory together.

Their bond was on full display during the third round when they teed off together alongside Collin Morikawa in the final group. While Morikawa struggled to keep pace and slipped down the leaderboard, Rose and Fleetwood continued to trade shots and maintain their positions at the top. The duo’s chemistry was evident not just in their smooth play but in the way they supported and encouraged each other throughout the round. Off the course, their friendship shines through in lighter moments too. Recently, Fleetwood recreated a well-known photo of Rose sitting on a bench and posted it on Instagram, tagging his friend with the playful question, “How did I do @justinprose99?!” Rose responded with a teasing “7/10,”  which shows the easygoing rapport between the two. As they head into the final round, this blend of friendly rivalry and genuine camaraderie adds an extra dimension to the competition, reminding fans that even under pressure, mutual respect and friendship remain at golf’s core.

This might be Fleetwood’s second heartbreak, but the game isn’t over yet. In golf, victory goes to the player with the strongest mind, not just the best swing.