In a heart-wrenching moment that has stunned the golfing world, Tommy Fleetwood broke down in tears during an emotional press conference at the Old Course in St. Andrews on August 11, 2025, announcing his immediate resignation from professional golf. The 34-year-old English star, known for his silky swing and near-misses on the PGA Tour, cited a recent controversial remark by golf legend Tiger Woods as the tipping point, marking the end of a career defined by agonizingly close calls. With “Tommy Fleetwood resignation” trending online, fans and analysts are reeling from the dramatic exit and debating Woods’ unintended influence on this shocking decision.
The announcement came just days after Woods, in an exclusive Golf Digest interview, described Fleetwood’s career as “cursed” following a question about his persistent near-misses in major tournaments. Woods, known for his candid assessments, said, “Tommy’s one of the best ball-strikers out there, but sometimes it’s like he’s playing with a black cloud over him. I don’t know if it’s bad luck or pressure, but there’s something cursed about how close he’s gotten without winning.” The comment, intended as a blunt observation, ignited a firestorm of debate, with some viewing it as a harsh truth and others as an unnecessary burden on a player already grappling with mental strain.
Fleetwood, visibly shaken during the press conference, struggled to compose himself as he addressed the media. “I’ve given everything to this sport, and I’ve loved every minute of it,” he said, pausing to wipe away tears. “But lately, it’s become harder to ignore the noise. When someone like Tiger—a guy I’ve looked up to my whole career—says something like that, it makes you think. Maybe it’s time to accept that some things just aren’t meant to be.” His voice cracked as he admitted the mental toll of falling short, referencing his six DP World Tour wins but zero PGA Tour victories despite 11 top-10 finishes in majors, including runner-up spots at the 2018 U.S. Open and 2023 RBC Heritage.
The golf community is divided. Rory McIlroy took to X, posting, “Tommy’s one of the purest talents we’ve ever seen. This shouldn’t be how it ends. Gutted for him.” Justin Thomas called it “a damn shame,” while Ian Poulter, a close friend, raged, “Absolute bollocks. Tommy’s a class act, and the game’s worse off without him.” Woods, reportedly “devastated” by the fallout per ESPN sources, has yet to respond publicly, though the backlash suggests his words may have pushed Fleetwood over the edge. Fans on social media are split, with some blaming Woods’ influence and others questioning Fleetwood’s resilience.
Fleetwood’s career has been a rollercoaster of brilliance and heartbreak. His signature flowing hair and humble demeanor made him a fan favorite, yet the elusive PGA Tour win remained out of reach. His latest near-miss came at the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship, where he led after 54 holes but faltered to a tie for third. The cumulative weight of such moments, amplified by Woods’ “cursed” label, appears to have broken his spirit. Insiders suggest he may pivot to broadcasting or course design, though his management has declined further comment.
This resignation sends shockwaves through the sport, raising questions about mental health support for athletes and the impact of high-profile critiques. With the PGA Tour losing one of its most beloved figures, the narrative shifts to whether Woods will address the controversy and how golf will fill the void left by Fleetwood’s departure. As the 2025 season progresses, one thing is clear: Tommy Fleetwood’s abrupt exit marks a bittersweet chapter in a career that never fully bloomed, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.
