Tommy Fleetwood fell just short of an unforgettable triumph at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
Playing in front of his adoring home fans, the Englishman finished in a tie for fourth place, three shots behind champion Ryan Fox.
Fox was the deserved winner in Southport, but Fleetwood can also be really proud of his efforts throughout the week.
At the same time, however, the home favourite experienced a significant issue at The Open Championship, and it certainly wasn’t for the first time in his career.
Tommy Fleetwood suffers familiar problem after falling short at The Open
First and foremost, Fleetwood can hold his head high after rounds of 69, 67, 69 and 68. But is it time he addressed his issue of coming up short when it really matters?
He was firmly in contention for the Claret Jug throughout the week, but getting in sight of success proved to be a major stumbling block for the 35-year-old.
Despite his vast experience, the 35-year-old has been in the same situation many times before, and likely many more times unless he changes his approach.
The problem is epitomised by his PGA Tour career, with Fleetwood having remarkably claimed just one victory.
Even then, that TOUR Championship success may come under more scrutiny than any other win given that the field at Eastlake comprised just 30 players.
Very significantly, he has been the runner-up on the PGA Tour on six occasions, having also finished third the same number of times.
Golfing ability undoubtedly comes into play concerning that record, but perhaps it is also a matter of mental strength, which is a crucial part of the game.
Tommy Fleetwood issues emotional message after The Open at Royal Birkdale
Fleetwood has understandably been left emotional in the aftermath of the tournament, but he has done his best to express his emotions on social media.
Sharing a classy message to champion Fox, the Englishman posted on his Instagram: “Where do I possibly begin?
“First of all congratulations to Ryan Fox. An incredible way to finish and so happy for you, Anneke and the family and team.
“This week has given me and my family moments and memories that will last forever. I am forever grateful for the support everyone has given me and the love that you all showed and I’m so proud of my hometown for [The Open] that you delivered!
“What an honour and a privilege to have played in that atmosphere in front of you all, thank you! I hope we get to do it again!”
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The fans really did create a fantastic atmosphere for the home favourite, who unfortunately couldn’t pay them back with a win, although he was indeed under huge pressure to deliver.
Ultimately both parties can be really proud of themselves, and as Fleetwood alluded to, it may not be the end of his major story at Royal Birkdale.
Hopefully he will get another chance to shine on home soil, and it may just be his hands on the Claret Jug next time around.
Read more: Jack Nicklaus and Bryson DeChambeau react as Ryan Fox wins The Open Championship
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