It was yet more heartache for Tommy Fleetwood after the Englishman missed out on the Olympic gold medal at Le Golf National.
Despite playing well during the final round in Paris, the 33-year-old couldn’t keep pace with Scottie Scheffler, who carded a stunning last 18 holes.
The Englishman was left to rue a poor chip on the 17th, leading to a dropped shot and ultimately handing the world number one victory.
Nevertheless, Fleetwood’s podium has proven popular with his fellow professionals. Rory McIlroy lauded the Englishman’s silver medal upon the conclusion of the tournament, and YouTube pair Rick Shiels and Peter Finch also congratulated Fleetwood.
Now, golf commentator Smylie Kaufman has also taken a look at the Englishman’s performance in Paris.
Smylie Kaufman shocked by Tommy Fleetwood’s major championship record
Speaking on the latest edition of the Smylie Show, Kaufman admitted he was shocked to learn of Fleetwood’s hugely impressive major championship record.
“I went back and wanted to check Tommy Fleetwood’s history in majors ’cause I knew there was a bunch, and I wanted to see how many there were,” Kaufman explained. “And it surprised me that he’s had seven top fives in majors, and then you throw in this second place at the Olympics.”
Kaufman went on to suggest Fleetwood didn’t do too much wrong during the final round at Le Golf National.
The American added: “These are so many big events where he’s given himself opportunities on the back nine, and whether it’s not being able to capitalise or having a day like today where he’s said he’s played good, gone out there and made eight birdies and Scottie Scheffler went out and won the tournament.”
Tommy Fleetwood’s first PGA Tour win will come
Fleetwood’s performances are too good for his barren US run to continue. The world number 11 is giving himself excellent chances to win but can’t quite get it over the line.
As mentioned, there’s little he could have done about Scheffler’s form on Sunday. The American produced arguably his best round of the season at precisely the right time.
Fleetwood must not be disheartened by what happened at Le Golf National. If anything, the 33-year-old should view the week as a massive positive. He knows he can push the best player on the planet all the way to the 72nd hole.
Furthermore, after Kaufman highlighted Fleetwood’s major championship record, there’s every chance the Englishman’s first US win will come in one of the year’s most significant events.
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