Tommy Fleetwood, a seasoned golfer, has etched his name in the annals of U.S. Open history, albeit with a bittersweet sentiment. His remarkable achievement of shooting 63 or lower in the final round of the championship, a feat only two men have accomplished, has brought him both pride and frustration. Fleetwood's story at the U.S. Open is one of near misses and unfulfilled potential.
In 2018, at Shinnecock Hills, Fleetwood's golf was nothing short of exceptional. He recorded eight birdies, including a remarkable four in a row starting at the 12th hole, against just one bogey. His precision was evident as he hit 13 fairways and 16 greens in regulation. The final three holes presented him with great birdie opportunities, but his putter failed him at the crucial moment. A 13-footer on the 16th hole and a 19-foot birdie attempt on the 17th went awry, leaving him a stroke behind the winner, Brooks Koepka.
Fleetwood's disappointment was palpable, especially considering the makable putts he missed on the 17th and 18th holes. He admitted that the missed putts played on his mind, especially the eight-foot birdie attempt on the 18th hole that veered right at the end, leaving him with a pained expression. Despite the setback, Fleetwood's performance that day was nothing short of superb, and he found himself right there at the end, waiting to see if his efforts were good enough.
Fast forward to 2023, at the Los Angeles Country Club, Fleetwood again found himself in a similar predicament. He shot a closing 63, but missed a seven-footer for birdie at the last, ending up tied for fifth and five strokes behind the winner, Wyndham Clark. This time, the disappointment was compounded by the realization that he could have easily carded a 62 with makable putts on the 18th hole.
Fleetwood's frustration stems from the fact that his valiant efforts in defeat are often relegated to footnotes, while the winners' names are forever etched in history. He believes that tournaments are 72 holes, and finishing first is the only way to complete the job. This mindset is evident in his words, 'If you don’t finish first then the job is incomplete, isn’t it?'
As Fleetwood prepares for his 11th U.S. Open appearance at Shinnecock Hills, he hopes to avoid the predicament of having to shoot 63 again to have a chance to win. He recognizes the significance of his achievements, even if they don't result in victory. Fleetwood's journey at the U.S. Open is a testament to his skill and determination, and he continues to strive for that elusive major win.
