Tommy Fleetwood was one hole away from his first-career PGA Tour win the last time he set foot on the TPC River Highlands course in Cromwell.
With a one-shot lead entering No. 18 last June, the Englishman, 34 years old at the time, was on his way to finally ‘breaking his duck,’ as they say across the pond, and earning that elusive victory, the only thing standing between him and bona-fide status as one of the best golfers in the world.
He struck his approach shot from the fairway, and watched as it died in the humid summer air and fell just short of the green. Then he watched as Keegan Bradley, New England native and 2023 Travelers Champion, stuck his within five feet of the cup.
Fleetwood, still one shot ahead of Bradley, had the chance to win the tournament by rolling in a long putt from just off the edge of the green, but his shot came up short again, coming to a rest just behind Bradley’s ball, eight feet from the cup.
Now Fleetwood had to drain the eight-footer to try and force a playoff, but in the sweltering heat, he sent the ball an inch to the right, and it rolled past the hole, taking with it his dreams of a tournament title.
Bradley, the New England native and crowd favorite, sunk his putt, soaked in the roaring adulation of the Connecticut crowd, and sent Fleetwood to the airport with a mere $1.76 million (the runner-up prize).
It was the latest in a number of near-misses on tour for Fleetwood, but the heartbreak didn’t last too long– two months later, he finally broke through– winning the Tour Championship in Atlanta, finally earning that first trophy in his 164th start.
Now ranked the No. 3 player in the world, Fleetwood will be back in Cromwell this June. The tournament announced his commitment to the 2026 event on Wednesday.
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“Tommy consistently demonstrates professionalism and maintains an unwavering, positive attitude – just two of the many reasons why he’s one of the best people you’ll ever meet,” Travelers Executive Vice President Andy Bessette said in a release. “His breakthrough victory last year exemplifies the dedication and perseverance that define his character as one of the best competitors on the PGA Tour. He’s been a big supporter of this tournament and he and his family have become great friends. We’re looking forward to seeing them back at TPC River Highlands in June.”
Fleetwood will have to contend with Bradley again this June, as the tournament announced his commitment earlier this month.
The Travelers Championship is set for June 25-28.