CROMWELL, Conn. — England’s Tommy Fleetwood suffered yet another near-miss on the PGA Tour as American Keegan Bradley denied him a maiden victory with a dramatic finish at the Travelers Championship. Bradley, a six-time PGA Tour winner, birdied the 18th hole to edge Fleetwood by one stroke, leaving the Englishman still searching for his first win on American soil.
The final round at TPC River Highlands was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Fleetwood holding a one-shot lead heading into the back nine. However, Bradley’s clutch putting and Fleetwood’s missed opportunities on the closing holes proved decisive. "It’s tough to take," Fleetwood admitted afterward. "I felt like I played well enough to win, but Keegan was just a little better when it mattered."
A Back-Nine Battle
The tournament turned into a two-man duel down the stretch. Fleetwood, who started the day two shots behind Bradley, surged ahead with birdies on the 10th and 12th holes. Meanwhile, Bradley struggled with his driver but stayed within striking distance thanks to his impeccable short game.
Key moments that defined the final round:
- Fleetwood’s 15-foot birdie putt on the 12th to take the lead
- Bradley’s miraculous par save from the bunker on the 14th
- Fleetwood’s missed 8-footer for par on the 16th, which tied the score
The pivotal moment came on the 18th, where Bradley drained a 12-foot birdie putt to post 23-under par. Fleetwood, needing a birdie to force a playoff, saw his 10-foot attempt lip out, sealing Bradley’s victory. "I’ve been in this position before, and it never gets easier," Fleetwood said, reflecting on his eighth career runner-up finish on the PGA Tour.
Bradley’s Emotional Triumph
For Bradley, the win marked his second victory of the season and his first at the Travelers Championship since 2011. The Vermont native, known for his passionate celebrations, was visibly emotional after the final putt dropped. "This tournament means so much to me," he said. "To win here again, in front of these fans, it’s just incredible."
By the Numbers
Bradley’s victory was built on consistency:
- Led the field in Strokes Gained: Putting (+2.5 per round)
- Hit 85% of greens in regulation during the final round
- Made just three bogeys all week
Fleetwood, meanwhile, ranked first in driving accuracy but struggled with his approach shots on the back nine, missing three greens in the final six holes. "Those little mistakes add up," he acknowledged. "At this level, you can’t afford them."
What’s Next for Fleetwood?
The 33-year-old Englishman remains one of the most consistent players on tour without a PGA Tour victory. Despite the heartbreak, Fleetwood took solace in his performance. "I’m playing great golf," he said. "If I keep putting myself in these positions, it’ll happen."
Fleetwood’s near-misses have become a talking point in golf circles. Since 2017, he has:
- Finished runner-up eight times on the PGA Tour
- Recorded 38 top-10 finishes worldwide
- Been a pivotal player in European Ryder Cup victories
Bradley, for his part, offered words of encouragement to his rival: "Tommy’s too good not to win out here. It’s only a matter of time."
Final Thoughts
The Travelers Championship delivered another thrilling finish, showcasing the fine margins between victory and defeat in professional golf. While Bradley celebrated a hometown triumph, Fleetwood was left to ponder what might have been. As the tour heads to Detroit for the Rocket Mortgage Classic, all eyes will be on whether Fleetwood can finally break through—or if another heartbreak awaits.
For now, the Englishman’s quest continues. "I’ll keep working, keep believing," Fleetwood said. "That’s all you can do."
