Honda Classic: Tommy Fleetwood gets over tournament disappointment with family reunion

The 27-year old Southport golfer has gone close to wrapping-up his 2019 PGA Tour card event despite sharing the lead with five holes to play ahead of back-to-back bogeys at 14 and 15 on the PGA National course.

Fleetwood made some amends with a final hole birdie in round of 69 and a six-under tally to be two shots shy of a play-off for the cool $US 1.1m first prize cheque.

American Justin Thomas moves to the new World No. 3 in defeating compatriot Luke List with a birdie at the first extra play-off hole and after both players ended regulation play locked at eight-under par and with Thomas posting a last round 68 and the 33-year old Seattle-born List a 69.

The win is the 24-year old Thomas’ eighth PGA Tour success and a second this 2017/18 wraparound season.

Fleetwood could rightfully be pleased with his efforts and in the process showing to the American golfing public the form that has won him three European Tour events in the past 13 months along with ending 2017 capturing the Race to Dubai title.

“I am very pleased with my effort and with those two bogeys near the end but with the greens so tough to putt on that late in the afternoon,” he said.

“Of course, it was disappointing to come up short but for that little patch at 15 and 16 but for the most part, I hit it all right and I really enjoyed it.

“Other than that I was very consistent all day and delighted now to be heading this week to Mexico where I finished second last year, so hopefully one better this time around.”

After emerging from the scorer’s room Fleetwood was embraced by his wife before heading off to delight dozens of young fans waiting for his autograph while there was also a large group of English supporters eager to show their delight in getting photos.

It was then back to see his wife and join good friend, Alex Noren of Sweden and finishing third on seven-under par and just one shot shy of the play-off, who was getting to know the Fleetwood’s near six-month old son.

Fleetwood now heads to this week’s $US 10m WGC – Mexico Championship and where a year ago he finished runner-up to Dustin Johnson.

“I’m very happy playing over here in the States and I had a great year last year, and then it was just important that we kept on improving, kept on going this year, and it’s been great,” he said.

“It’s been also a great start for me this year and while I would have loved to have won this week, I had a chance.

“I’m enjoying coming over here and testing my game and hopefully more to come.

“Next up is Mexico where I went so close a year ago so it would be nice if I could one better this time around.”

And Fleetwood, who could move up one spot to World No. 11, has jumped 62 places to be now ranked 81st on the FedEx Cup points table.