Rory McIlroy caught on camera accidentally cursing Tommy Fleetwood before PGA Tour blunder.
Rory McIlroy was caught on camera accidentally cursing Tommy Fleetwood a first PGA Tour title down the closing stetch at the Travelers Championship on Sunday.
McIlroy closed out his week with a solid 65 to finish tied sixth in the eighth and final $20m Signature Event of the PGA Tour season.
After signing his card, McIlroy then spoke to several reporters off the back of the 18th green at TPC River Highlands.
At the time of McIlroy’s interview with one particular reporter, Fleetwood was standing on the 18th tee tee with a one-shot lead over his playing partner Keegan Bradley.
McIlroy was pressed by the reporter in question to give his thoughts on what he made of his European Ryder Cup teammate Fleetwood being on the verge of a first PGA Tour title in his 159th start.
The Northern Irishman felt Fleetwood had already done enough to finally win.
Scroll down to watch what McIlroy said…
Yeah, Tommy has been a great player for a long time, he’s more than due, or he was more than due, and you know, he’s got so much talent and so much ability, and obviously it’s great to see him get over the line,” replied an assured McIlroy.
As it transpired five minutes later, Fleetwood three-jabbed from the front edge of the 18th green for a bogey, and Bradley would then win his second Travelers Championship in three years when converting a six-footer for birdie.
Watch McIlroy’s gaffe in the video below:
Fleetwood admitted to being angry, upset, hurt and gutted after throwing away his best chance to date to win a first PGA Tour title.
The popular Englishman had led by three shots entering the final round.
He was briefly caught around the turn but then pulled two shots ahead with three holes left.
It’s likely McIlroy still believed Fleetwood held onto his one-shot lead as he made his way down the par-4 18th.
Unfortunately for Fleetwood, a bogey on both the 16th and 18th holes dropped him into a tie for second with Russell Henley, just one stroke behind Keegan Bradley.
Even with the heartbreak, it was another strong showing for Fleetwood—his fourth top-10 in his last seven PGA Tour starts.
The performance boosted him to 13th in the Official World Golf Ranking and moved him to second place in the European Ryder Cup standings, just behind McIlroy.
A couple of days later, Fleetwood took to social media with a brief but uplifting 15-word message, showing he’s staying focused and motivated.
He’ll tee it up next at the Scottish Open, leading into The Open Championship at Royal Portrush—a course where he has great memories, having finished runner-up there in 2019. With his current form and past success, he’ll be one to watch.
