FedEx St. Jude Championship: Justin Rose surges late to win in a playoff as Tommy Fleetwood stumbles again - Yahoo Sports
FedEx St. Jude Championship: Tommy Fleetwood Falls Short Again
The FedEx St. Jude Championship was supposed to be a special occasion for Tommy Fleetwood, but unfortunately, it ended in disappointment once again. The English golfer, who had held a two-shot lead briefly on the back nine, failed to close out the tournament and let it slip away on Sunday afternoon.
A Brief Lead
Fleetwood's hopes of claiming his second PGA Tour win seemed to be within reach when he took a two-stroke lead over Rory McIlroy with five holes remaining. The pressure was mounting, but Fleetwood remained calm and focused, playing some of the best golf of his life.
However, as the final stretch approached, Fleetwood's composure began to crack. He bogeyed the 16th hole, which proved to be a costly mistake. McIlroy capitalized on the error, birdieing the same hole to narrow the gap to one stroke.
A Close Call
Fleetwood struggled to regain his lead on the 17th hole, where he three-putted for bogey. The damage was done, as McIlroy's earlier birdie had given him a chance to catch up. The Northern Irishman sank a crucial putt on the 18th hole to take the lead, and it seemed like Fleetwood's chances were slipping away.
A Tough Lesson
Fleetwood's collapse at the FedEx St. Jude Championship was a tough lesson in the importance of staying focused under pressure. Despite his impressive play throughout the tournament, he failed to close out the win when it mattered most.
The English golfer has been on a rollercoaster ride of emotions this season, with highs and lows that have left many questioning his ability to deliver under pressure. The FedEx St. Jude Championship was supposed to be a breakthrough event for Fleetwood, but it will have to wait until next time.
What Went Wrong
So, what went wrong for Fleetwood at the FedEx St. Jude Championship? Several factors contributed to his collapse:
- Lack of composure: Fleetwood's calm and focused demeanor deserted him on the back nine, leading to a series of uncharacteristic mistakes.
- Poor putting: Fleetwood struggled with his putting throughout the tournament, which proved costly in the end.
- Inability to close out the win: Despite holding a lead, Fleetwood failed to shut the door on McIlroy, allowing him to make a late surge.
McIlroy's Comeback
Rory McIlroy's victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship was a testament to his grit and determination. The Northern Irishman had been struggling all week, but he dug deep and found the strength to mount an incredible comeback.
McIlroy's win marked his first PGA Tour victory in over two years, and it will give him renewed confidence as he looks to make a push for the FedEx Cup playoffs.
The Aftermath
Fleetwood's collapse at the FedEx St. Jude Championship was met with disappointment from fans and pundits alike. The English golfer has been struggling to find consistency this season, and this latest setback will only add to his frustrations.
However, Fleetwood is not one to dwell on mistakes. He has already begun working on his game, looking for ways to improve his putting and close out wins when it matters most.
Conclusion
The FedEx St. Jude Championship was a heart-wrenching defeat for Tommy Fleetwood, but it will only serve as motivation for him to work even harder in the coming weeks. Despite the disappointment, Fleetwood's determination and resilience are qualities that will keep him in the mix at golf's top events.
As for Rory McIlroy, his victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship marked a welcome return to form for the Northern Irishman. With this win, McIlroy will be hoping to make a push for the FedEx Cup playoffs and add another major title to his collection.
The world of golf is full of ups and downs, but one thing is certain – these two talented golfers will continue to thrill fans with their skill and determination on the course.