In a week of high drama on the PGA Tour, Justin Rose’s stunning comeback at the FedEx St. Jude Championship was matched by Tommy Fleetwood’s gracious response to yet another agonizing near miss.
Rose, 45, fired four consecutive birdies late in the final round before sealing victory in a sudden-death playoff, becoming the oldest European winner in PGA Tour history. His poise under pressure saw him clinch his first Tour title since 2023 and his 12th overall.
For Fleetwood, the tournament brought heartbreak once again. Holding the lead going into the closing holes, he faltered with a bogey on the 17th and a missed birdie chance on the 18th, ultimately finishing tied for third. This marks his 43rd top-10 finish on the PGA Tour without a victory.
Despite the disappointment, Fleetwood’s post-round comments revealed his character. While admitting to feeling “obviously disappointed,” he chose to focus on the positives and praised Rose’s achievement, calling him “a great person in golf to look up to.” His words reflected both sportsmanship and respect, underlining the camaraderie that exists even in the heat of competition.
Both Rose and Fleetwood secured their places on Team Europe for the upcoming Ryder Cup, a boost for captain Luke Donald as the team looks to defend the trophy. Rose’s win reaffirms the value of experience, while Fleetwood’s consistency—though often bittersweet—shows he remains one of the game’s most formidable contenders.
As Fleetwood put it, “We move on.” For him, the quest for that first PGA Tour title continues, and for Rose, the win serves as proof that passion and perseverance can still prevail on golf’s biggest stage.
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