Tommy Fleetwood entered the final round of the 2025 Travelers Championship with a commanding three-shot lead, poised to finally break his long-standing PGA Tour win drought. The Englishman’s flawless third-round 7-under-par 63, which included a pair of eagles on the par-5 13th hole and perfect accuracy off the tee, had him sitting at 16-under par, three clear of his nearest challengers, Russell Henley and Keegan Bradley. However, what unfolded on Sunday at TPC River Highlands was a dramatic rollercoaster that showcased the intensity and unpredictability of professional golf.
Fleetwood’s journey to the top of the leaderboard was marked by precision and poise. On Saturday, he hit all 14 fairways and 15 of 18 greens in regulation, a performance that underscored his steady approach. His 66-foot birdie putt on the fifth hole was a highlight, as was a remarkable 31-foot eagle putt from off the green on the 13th. Despite never having won a PGA Tour event—an unusual feat for a player of his caliber—Fleetwood had amassed 41 career top-10 finishes and had earned nearly £22 million on the Tour, the most without a victory since 1983. He also boasts seven European Tour wins and two Ryder Cup appearances, underscoring his pedigree.
Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1 and a three-time winner this season, suffered a shocking collapse on Saturday. After starting tied for the lead at 9-under, Scheffler’s round unraveled with a triple bogey on the first hole and a double bogey on the par-3 eighth, culminating in a 72 that left him nine shots adrift at 7-under. Meanwhile, Justin Thomas, also tied for the lead entering Saturday, was undone by a disastrous quadruple-bogey nine on the par-5 13th after his tee shot landed on the train tracks, leading to a 73 and a distant 14th place at 6-under. These struggles contrasted sharply with Fleetwood’s flawless round and allowed him to seize control heading into Sunday.
Sunday’s final round began with Fleetwood’s three-shot cushion quickly evaporating. Keegan Bradley, the 2023 Travelers champion and current U.S. Ryder Cup captain, tied Fleetwood for the lead within the first four holes, much to the delight of the New England crowd chanting "USA! USA! USA!" Bradley’s steady play, including a bogey-free 63 on Saturday and a clutch 35-foot birdie putt on the 15th hole Sunday, propelled him into contention. Russell Henley, fresh off a sizzling 61 on Saturday, also remained in the mix, trailing just one stroke behind the leaders.
Fleetwood’s Sunday round was a mix of brilliance and nerve-wracking tension. Early nerves showed as he bogeyed three of the first four holes, erasing his lead and sharing the top spot with Bradley. Yet, he rebounded with a birdie at the par-5 13th to momentarily reclaim a three-shot advantage at 16-under. The battle between Fleetwood and Bradley intensified as the back nine unfolded, with both players exchanging birdies and pars in a tense duel.
As the tournament approached its climax, Fleetwood’s composure was tested. On the 17th hole, he bogeyed after missing a 10-foot par putt, cutting his lead to just one stroke. The defining moment came on the 72nd hole. Fleetwood’s approach shot came up short of the green, leaving him with a challenging chip. Bradley, playing in front of his home crowd, struck a perfect 9-iron to within 12 feet of the pin, setting up a potential playoff scenario.
However, the unexpected happened. Fleetwood, who had been so steady all week, three-putted from 13 feet, resulting in a costly bogey. Bradley seized the opportunity, calmly rolling in his birdie putt to clinch a one-stroke victory at 15-under par. The crowd erupted as Bradley celebrated his second Travelers Championship win and Ryder Cup captaincy, while Fleetwood was left to rue a heartbreaking finish.
The result was a bittersweet moment for Fleetwood, who remains the most successful player on the PGA Tour without a win, despite his 42 top-10 finishes and consistent presence near the top of the leaderboard. Reflecting on his career and the near-miss, Fleetwood said after his third-round 63, "I'm on top of a lot of stat lines for people that haven't won on the PGA Tour, so to always be a No. 1 at something is always nice. Yeah, of course I would love to win on the PGA Tour. It’s like an element of your career that everybody wants, and I of course want it. This year, especially, this is like my first real chance, so I’m really excited about that and looking forward to it." His humility and focus on the positives amid adversity resonate deeply within the golf community.
Meanwhile, the tournament showcased the unpredictable nature of golf. Scottie Scheffler, despite his Saturday struggles, finished strong with a 65 on Sunday to end at 12-under, tied with Rory McIlroy, who also carded a 65. Jason Day and Harris English finished just behind at 13-under, demonstrating the depth of talent in the field. Russell Henley’s consistent play earned him a share of second place alongside Fleetwood, highlighting his resurgence since his Arnold Palmer Invitational victory in March.
Keegan Bradley’s victory was a testament to his resilience and skill under pressure. As Ryder Cup captain, Bradley’s ability to perform in front of his home crowd added an emotional layer to his triumph. "It's incredible. I feel obliged to play in front of the people of New England," Bradley said after his win. "Of all the shots and all the putts, I will remember that the most." His poise on the final hole, especially sinking the winning birdie putt, cemented a memorable chapter in his career.
The 2025 Travelers Championship will be remembered for its dramatic swings, the emergence of Fleetwood as a serious contender for his maiden PGA Tour title, and Bradley’s clutch finish. While Fleetwood’s elusive first win continues to evade him, his performance this week reaffirmed his status as one of the Tour’s most consistent and talented players. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Fleetwood can convert his undeniable skill and experience into that long-awaited victory.
For now, the Travelers Championship leaves us with a thrilling narrative of triumph and near-misses, a showcase of golf’s unforgiving nature, and a reminder that every stroke counts when the stakes are highest.
