Tommy Fleetwood Celebrates First PGA Tour Win with Global Support
Tommy Fleetwood expressed his gratitude after receiving congratulatory messages from sports icons including Tiger Woods and LeBron James following his first PGA Tour victory. Fleetwood secured this milestone at the prestigious Tour Championship on September 17, 2023, marking his first title in 164 attempts. His victory not only earned him the coveted FedEx Cup but also a prize of $10 million (£7.4 million).
The 34-year-old English golfer triumphed with a three-shot lead over fellow competitors Patrick Cantlay and Russell Henley in Atlanta. In a press conference, Fleetwood reflected on the overwhelming support he received from fellow athletes and the public. He remarked, “The whole thing touched me more than anything, more than any particular person.”
After the tournament, numerous sports figures took to social media to commend Fleetwood. He acknowledged the significance of their messages, stating, “I think that story built up quite a lot.” While he maintained focus during the competition, the reactions following his win highlighted the broader impact of his achievement.
Fleetwood noted, “I probably underestimated at the time how much people appreciated it.” Sharing his journey with his children, he emphasized the importance of perseverance, stating, “I had the opportunity to show my kids what can happen—being an example that it can happen for you if you keep going.”
Fleetwood’s Unique Appeal
When asked about his popularity among fans, Fleetwood said, “It’s so hard when you talk personally about yourself and why people might enjoy watching you.” He attributes his connection with audiences to being genuine and approachable. “I’ve always tried to be myself and I’m lucky that I connect with people well for whatever reason.”
Before his victory, Fleetwood had recorded an impressive 30 top-five finishes on the PGA Tour, including six in 2025, yet had not clinched a win. He expressed relief and satisfaction at finally breaking through, noting, “Of all the emotions that come with that win, definitely relief was part of it.”
The golfer emphasized the narrative surrounding his career, acknowledging the pressure of being consistently competitive without winning. “There was a narrative building that I had been up there a lot and hadn’t got it done,” he explained. “It took such a long time, and I’m glad that that’s done—it’s just nice that I’m off that list of people that hadn’t won.”
As Fleetwood prepares to compete at the upcoming BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, he carries with him the weight of his recent success and the support from fans and fellow athletes alike. The tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, starting at 08:30 local time on Thursday.
His remarkable journey serves as an inspiration for many, illustrating the rewards of determination and resilience in sports.
