In an interview with The Scotsman newspaper last November Rory McIlroy was asked about Tommy Fleetwood’s breakthrough victory at the Tour Championship. After 30 top-five finishes, including six as runner-up, Fleetwood had finally won a tournament on the PGA Tour at the 164th attempt.
Because of his popularity and his perceived vulnerability, Fleetwood’s triumph was one of the most heartwarming stories of the season.
Over the years some of his near-misses had been excruciating. Only a few weeks earlier, he had been ground down by Keegan Bradley at the Travelers Championship, gut-punched by a two-shot swing on the final hole.
All of this was still fresh when McIlroy was asked about his friend. “I would never say I…