2025: The Year Golf Belonged to Tommy Fleetwood
Tommy Fleetwood evokes emotion. He's the guy who makes golf legends embrace him in bear hugs and seasoned pros lock eyes with him, ready to go to battle. This is the man who inspired Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose, two of golf's greats, to declare, 'I did it with Tommy.'
The 2025 golf season was iconic. Scottie Scheffler solidified his greatness with two major championship wins, and McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam with an emotional victory at the Masters. But amidst these achievements, there's a hidden gem: Tommy Fleetwood's year.
Fleetwood, a consistent top 20 player, had long been a fan favorite, but his charm extended beyond the golf course. Despite 30 top-five finishes, he had never won a PGA Tour event, making him a secondary figure in the sport. But at 34, he became golf's leading man, captivating the likes of LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and Caitlin Clark.
Here's the twist: Tommy was a 'choker.' Yet, unlike other athletes who struggle under pressure, people wanted him to succeed. McIlroy, in an interview with The Scotsman, pondered, 'Is he too nice to win?'
Then, it happened. In August, Fleetwood won the Tour Championship (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6573417/2025/08/25/tommy-fleetwood-first-pga-tour-win-tour-championship-fedex-cup/). He dominated the Ryder Cup the following month, and suddenly, he was a superstar. He became one of the faces of the Skins Game on Amazon Prime Video.
Why the sudden stardom? Todd Schuster, aka Tron Carter, a podcaster and Fleetwood's biggest fan, has the answer. He first noticed Fleetwood's pure ball-striking and accurate, old-school swing at the 2018 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. But it was more than just his game. Fleetwood was a genuinely good person.
Schuster's journey to support Fleetwood at the 2023 Open Championship, only to see him fade, is a testament to his character. Despite the loss, Fleetwood took the time to greet Schuster, sharing beers and smiles. This was the charm that made him go viral and eventually mainstream.
Fleetwood's career was filled with close calls. He led the Travelers Championship in June but missed crucial putts, losing to Keegan Bradley. Yet, he handled defeat with grace, surprising everyone with his positive attitude.
The FedEx St. Jude Championship and the BMW Championship followed a similar pattern. Fleetwood led but stumbled at the end. It seemed he was destined to be Sisyphus, forever pushing the boulder uphill.
Despite his success overseas on the DP World Tour and his Ryder Cup stardom, Fleetwood had an astonishing 30 top-five finishes on the PGA Tour without a win. This record was unprecedented in the past 40 years.
The Tour Championship was his turning point. In a new format that neutralized Scheffler's dominance, Fleetwood won, and the golf world erupted in celebration.
Golf's biggest stars, like James and Clark, took to social media to congratulate Fleetwood. His win was a testament to resilience, proving that he wasn't just nice, but also a fighter.
As the Skins Game approached, Fleetwood's overly nice persona became a joke among his peers. Xander Schauffele and Keegan Bradley teased him, but there was an underlying fear. Fleetwood, now 35, was in his prime, and his recent success made him a force to be reckoned with.
European captain Luke Donald's words at Bethpage ring true: 'A happy Tommy is a dangerous Tommy.'
McIlroy, Scheffler, and Bryson DeChambeau are golf's elite, but Tommy Fleetwood is the people's champion. His normalcy, hard work, and relatable journey make him the golfer everyone roots for.
As Fleetwood reflects on his breakthrough year, he remains unchanged. He understands the essence of the game and the joy it brings.
In the words of Fleetwood, 'This is what we practice for. These are the times of our lives.'
But here's the question: Is Tommy Fleetwood's success a fluke, or is he the new face of golf? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
