CROMWELL, Conn. — In a thrilling finale at TPC River Highlands, Keegan Bradley claimed the 2025 Travelers Championship title on Sunday, June 22, edging out England’s Tommy Fleetwood by a single stroke with a clutch birdie on the 72nd hole.
The New England native’s eighth PGA Tour victory, and second Travelers win in three years, sparked wild celebrations among the home crowd, with chants of “USA! USA!” echoing across the course.
Bradley, the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup captain, entered the final round trailing Fleetwood by three shots. The Englishman, seeking his first PGA Tour title in 158 starts, held a commanding lead for much of the day. However, the tide turned late as Fleetwood faltered, bogeying two of his final three holes, including a devastating three-putt from 50 feet on the 18th.
Bradley, capitalizing on the moment, stuck his approach to within six feet on the par-4 18th and calmly sank the birdie putt to finish at 15-under 265, carding a 2-under 68 for the round.
“This one’s for New England,” Bradley said, fist-pumping to the roaring crowd. “I feel an obligation to represent the Northeast, and this is the best way I can do it.”
The victory, worth $3.6 million from the $20 million purse, marked Bradley’s first win of 2025 and his first since the 2024 BMW Championship.
The final round was a rollercoaster. Bradley, who bogeyed the 14th to fall three behind, rallied with birdies on the 15th and 18th. A highlight came earlier on the par-4 ninth, where he holed a remarkable 65-foot birdie putt to ignite the crowd. Fleetwood, meanwhile, struggled to close, notably going long on the par-3 16th and missing a crucial par putt, setting the stage for Bradley’s heroics.
Russell Henley also finished at 14-under, tying Fleetwood for second and earning $1.76 million. Despite the heartbreak, Fleetwood’s performance showcased his resilience, having been in contention in two of his last five events.
Bradley’s win carries added significance as he mulls a potential playing-captain role for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in September. Now ninth in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings, his recent form — two wins in the last 10 months — has opened the door to becoming the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963.
“I had an epiphany at the PGA Championship with those ‘USA’ cheers,” Bradley said. “This win changes things. I’ll have a hard look at playing.”
The victory was deeply personal for Bradley, a Vermont native, who celebrated with his wife, Jillian, and sons, Logan and Cooper, on the 18th green.
“Of all the shots and putts I’ve hit, that last one I’ll remember most,” he told CBS’s Amanda Balionis.
