Southwind in Memphis, Justin Rose demonstrated once again that grit paired with skill can still triumph.
In a dramatic conclusion to the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Rose clawed his way back from a three-shot deficit on the final five holes, eventually prevailing in a tense playoff against U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun. The veteran produced two clutch birdies in sudden-death to seal his first victory since the 2023 Pebble Beach Pro-Am and earn a hard-fought return to the winner’s circle.
While Rose’s resurgence made headlines, the story of the weekend was equally defined by Tommy Fleetwood’s latest near heartbreak. The Englishman entered Sunday holding a slim lead, but a late bogey at 17 and errant shots on the final holes kept him from joining the playoff, finishing tied for third. It marked yet another chapter in an astonishing narrative: Fleetwood now holds a PGA Tour record 43 top-10 finishes without ever claiming victory.
Fleetwood’s plight is made even more remarkable when you consider the consistency of his performances. He has amassed over $31 million in PGA Tour prize money, all without a win to show for it, a testament to both his persistent contention and the cruel slippage at the very end. Despite this, Fleetwood remains a popular figure: his professionalism and positive outlook strike a chord across the golfing world.
In a twist both compelling and gratifying, the conclusion of the weekend delivered cause for celebration for both players. Their performances secured automatic qualification for Team Europe at the upcoming Ryder Cup, set to unfold from September 26th–28th at Bethpage Black in New York. It will mark the latest chapter in an esteemed partnership between Fleetwood and Rose, affectionately dubbed “Tommy and Justin,” who last stood side by side representing Europe in the 2023 edition of the tournament.
The prospect of Rose and Fleetwood teeing off together once again at such a prestigious event that is the Ryder Cup will excite the masses. Rose, now 45, may indeed be nearing the final pages of his Ryder Cup journey. Yet his unwavering commitment to fitness, powered by infrared saunas, regular steam room sessions, and a disciplined approach to longevity, hints that he may still have more to offer.
Could the Irish golf world see him on the greens again in Adare in 2027? Only time will tell, but having both players qualify again for this year’s Ryder Cup does bring some additional excitement to the event for sure. If Tommy and Justin do get paired together, I feel like it would be a similar relationship to the one Tommy had with Francesco Molinari back in 2018.
There is one thing for sure—it will be an epic battle this year at Bethpage Black between Europe and the USA.
