Tommy Fleetwood’s heartbreaking finish at a recent PGA Tour event took a new twist after a golf analyst revealed an overlooked detail that may have influenced his missed putt on the final hole.
Fleetwood was in prime position to clinch his first PGA Tour title, needing to sink a straightforward putt on the 18th green to force a playoff or potentially win outright. With the eyes of the golf world watching, the Englishman lined up the putt—but to the shock of many, it narrowly missed the cup.
In the aftermath of the tournament, a prominent golf analyst disclosed a surprising factor that may have contributed to the miss: subtle wear on the green caused by earlier foot traffic. According to the expert, the area where Fleetwood’s ball rolled had been heavily walked on by players and caddies throughout the day, creating minor depressions and inconsistencies on the putting surface. These imperfections, though almost invisible to the naked eye, can alter a ball’s path ever so slightly—especially on a finely tuned PGA Tour green.
“This wasn’t just a case of misreading the line or poor execution,” the analyst explained. “The putt looked solid, but when you factor in the late-round green conditions and how many people had walked that line, it’s possible the ball caught a subtle groove or spike mark that pushed it offline.”
Fleetwood, known for his graceful demeanor and precision under pressure, appeared stunned after the miss, briefly pausing before finishing the hole. The missed opportunity marked yet another close call for the 33-year-old, who has come agonizingly close to breaking through on the PGA Tour multiple times.
Fans and commentators alike were quick to sympathize, with many taking to social media to express their support and frustration on his behalf. The analyst’s revelation offers a more nuanced understanding of the miss, reminding viewers just how much the smallest factors can shape outcomes at the highest level of the sport.
While the miss will sting for Fleetwood, the insight also highlights the unpredictability of golf—where even a perfectly struck putt can fall victim to invisible elements of the course. For Fleetwood, it’s another tough lesson in patience, but one that may fuel his determination heading into future tournaments.
