Keegan Bradley won the Travelers Championship on Sunday but he also shared the spotlight with Tommy Fleetwood, who impressed despite being defeated.
Fleetwood had held a three-shot lead heading into the final round at TPC River Highlands and looked comfortable in control at various points.
However, as the pressure mounted late, a handful of mistakes crept in, none more costly than a three-putt on the 18th green that gave Bradley an opening he did not waste.
While the disappointment was clear on Fleetwood’s face, the 34-year-old did not shy away from it. He spoke to the media immediately after the finish, earning praise from figures across the sport.
Tommy Fleetwood hailed for what he did after the Travelers Championship
Sky Sports analyst Dame Laura Davies was among those who praised the British golfer. She compared him with fellow players who left reporters empty-handed after tough results.
“He is devastated. Everything he said is exactly right. Where he put that putt gave Keegan a free read. It could not have been worse,” she said.
“But the fact he just did that interview, and was so magnanimous about what Keegan had done, and Keegan won it. What a man. That is just fantastic.
“We have seen players this year blow by reporters and not want to say a thing and they have had a lot less to be upset about in the way a tournament finished, so all praise to Tommy Fleetwood. I was a big fan already but that’s made me an even bigger fan.”
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Tommy Fleetwood puts a number of PGA Tour players to shame
Fleetwood’s willingness to front up was noted in a season where several high-profile players have drawn criticism for avoiding post-round interviews, including Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa after recent major disappointments.
He may not have walked away with the trophy, but Fleetwood left Connecticut with an even greater reputation for professionalism, a fact not lost on fans or fellow players, even if it offered little immediate comfort.
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