CROMWELL, Conn. — England's Tommy Fleetwood surged into a commanding three-shot lead after the third round of the Travelers Championship, putting himself in prime position to secure his first PGA Tour victory. The 33-year-old carded a bogey-free 64 at TPC River Highlands, showcasing the kind of steady, composed golf that has made him one of Europe's most consistent performers.
Fleetwood, a six-time winner on the DP World Tour, has long been regarded as one of the best players yet to win on the PGA Tour. His closest brush with victory came at the 2018 U.S. Open, where he finished one stroke behind Brooks Koepka. Now, with a 54-hole total of 18-under 192, he stands on the precipice of breaking through in America. "I've put myself in a great position," Fleetwood said. "It's about staying patient and trusting my game."
Fleetwood's Flawless Round
Fleetwood's third-round performance was a masterclass in precision and poise. He opened with back-to-back birdies on the first two holes, setting the tone for a day where he rarely put a foot wrong. Key highlights included:
- A 25-foot birdie putt on the par-3 8th
- A clutch par save from the bunker on the 12th
- A near-eagle on the drivable par-4 15th
His playing partner, Patrick Cantlay, who sits three shots back at 15-under, praised Fleetwood's composure. "Tommy doesn't make many mistakes," Cantlay said. "When he's on like this, he's really tough to beat."
The Chasing Pack
While Fleetwood holds a comfortable lead, the Travelers Championship is known for dramatic finishes, and several players remain within striking distance:
- Patrick Cantlay (-15) – The 2021 champion is lurking and has the experience to mount a charge.
- Scottie Scheffler (-14) – The world No. 1 is always a threat, especially with his ball-striking prowess.
- Xander Schauffele (-13) – A proven closer with multiple PGA Tour wins.
- Collin Morikawa (-12) – The two-time major winner has been trending upward after a slow start to the season.
Scheffler, in particular, remains a dangerous contender. Despite a slow start to his round, he birdied four of his last six holes to stay in the mix. "I just need to keep giving myself chances," Scheffler said. "If I can get hot early tomorrow, anything can happen."
Fleetwood's Quest for a Breakthrough
Fleetwood's career has been defined by near-misses on the PGA Tour. Since joining the circuit full-time in 2017, he has recorded 10 top-10 finishes in majors and numerous close calls in regular events. His ability to contend in the biggest tournaments—without yet sealing the deal—has only heightened the anticipation for his first win.
A victory at the Travelers Championship would not only mark a career milestone but also solidify his status as one of the game's elite. "I've been close so many times," Fleetwood admitted. "But I believe in myself, and I know my game is good enough."
Final Round Outlook
With ideal scoring conditions expected for Sunday, Fleetwood will need to maintain his aggressive yet controlled approach. TPC River Highlands, one of the shortest courses on Tour, rewards precision off the tee and sharp iron play—both strengths of Fleetwood's game.
However, history suggests the final round won’t be a walk in the park. In 2022, Xander Schauffele came from five shots back to win, proving that no lead is safe at this event. Fleetwood acknowledged the challenge ahead: "It's going to take another really good round. I’m ready for it."
Conclusion
Tommy Fleetwood has put himself in the driver's seat at the Travelers Championship, but the final 18 holes will test his nerve and resolve. With a star-studded leaderboard chasing him, Sunday promises high drama. Whether Fleetwood can finally break through or whether another player will mount a comeback remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: golf fans are in for a thrilling finish.
