Tommy Fleetwood and Patrick Cantlay Battle For Tour Championship Glory
The final round of the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, GA., promises pure drama. Tommy Fleetwood and Patrick Cantlay sit deadlocked at 16-under heading into Sunday’s finale, with $10 million and the FedEx Cup title on the line. Who will emerge victorious?
Tommy Fleetwood’s Quest for History
The 34-year-old Englishman stands on the brink of something special. After 44 career top-10 finishes without a PGA Tour victory, Fleetwood has another golden opportunity to shed that unwanted distinction. Saturday’s third round showcased his resilience.
Four consecutive birdies early in the round put him in command, but a costly double bogey on the treacherous 15th hole threatened to derail his hopes. Instead of folding, Fleetwood responded like a champion. Back-to-back birdies on 16 and 17 pulled him back into a tie for the lead. “Tomorrow might be my time, it might not, but I’ll still have a great time doing it,” Fleetwood said.
Cantlay’s Closing Surge
Cantlay proved why he thrives under pressure with a masterful 64 on Saturday. The former FedEx Cup champion saved his best for last, carding birdies on four of his final five holes. His 25-foot birdie putt on the 17th was pure magic. It was the kind of shot that wins championships. Winless for three years, Cantlay knows this is his moment. The Californian has been rock-solid with his putter all week, working with guru Phil Kenyon to find that extra edge. It’s paying dividends when it matters most.
Scheffler Lurks In the Shadows
Don’t count out Scottie Scheffler just yet. The world’s top-ranked player trails by four shots, the same deficit he overcame last week at the BMW Championship. His 20th consecutive round under par keeps him dangerous, even if his putting frustrated him Saturday. “I didn’t shoot myself out of the tournament,” Scheffler said. That measured approach could serve him well if the leaders stumble.
Under the old playoff format, Scheffler would have entered Thursday’s opening round with a commanding 10-stroke advantage based on his season-long performance. Instead, the PGA Tour’s revised starting strokes system has created the exact drama officials hoped for.
Ryder Cup Implications Add Extra Spice
U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley fired a tournament-low 63 to surge into contention at 13-under. With captain’s picks looming, Bradley’s performance couldn’t be more timely. “I’m done with this whole process. I want it over with either way,” Bradley said, the pressure of dual roles clearly weighing on him.
The final round has Fleetwood and Cantlay paired together for what promises to be an unforgettable finish. One will claim golf’s biggest prize. The other will face more heartbreak. East Lake has seen its share of dramatic finales, but Sunday’s showdown between a man chasing his first victory and a champion seeking redemption feels different. It feels special.
