Tommy Fleetwood, the renowned English golfer, has not only made headlines for his achievements on the golf course but also for his relationship with his wife, Clare Fleetwood. Their story is a fascinating blend of professional collaboration and personal connection, making it a unique tale in the world of sports. Let’s delve into the details of their journey together.

How Tommy and Clare Met

Tommy Fleetwood and Clare Fleetwood’s paths crossed thanks to Tommy’s brother, Joe, who worked with Clare at Hambric Sports Management. Tommy joined Hambric in 2015, but he already knew Clare from previous encounters on the tour. He once wrote in a 2015 blog for Golf Monthly, “I get on well with Clare Craig, too, who is vice-president of Europe. She’s always been around on Tour, and I’ve chatted to her a lot over the years.” This familiarity soon blossomed into something more profound.

From Manager to Partner

By the end of 2015, Clare became Tommy’s manager, marking the beginning of their professional relationship. Clare considered stepping down from this role when their relationship turned romantic but found a way to balance both aspects successfully.

On the Performance People podcast in May 2023, she recalled, “As we were sat there listening to different proposals, I’m like I can do this … but I just for some reason at the beginning thought I couldn’t and I shouldn’t. Then we gave it six months, and it worked, so we carried on.”

Clare’s Background in Sports Management

Clare Fleetwood’s journey in sports management is impressive. She grew up and studied in Manchester, England. After college, she joined Hambric Sports Management, where she represented professional golfers and eventually became the vice president for Europe. Her extensive experience and sharp acumen have been pivotal in Tommy’s career.

The Dynamics of Their Professional Relationship

Tommy has often credited Clare for his success, emphasizing her role in keeping him grounded. He shared on the Performance People podcast, “That calming side, that reality check … that happiness side of things and she’s very clever. She judges situations better than you do when you’re playing all the time and you’re so single-minded on what you do and that you don’t look outside the box.” Clare’s ability to make sound decisions has been a significant asset to Tommy’s career.

The Initial Hesitation

Despite their strong professional bond, the transition to a romantic relationship wasn’t smooth initially. Clare, 23 years older than Tommy, turned him down several times. She recalled, “We’ve got a 23-year age difference. Of course, I turned him down. I was like, ‘Don’t be stupid.'” However, Clare eventually gave in, and they navigated their relationship despite industry gossip and initial doubts from their peers. Clare’s faith in their bond remained unwavering, and the couple quickly proved their naysayers wrong.

Engagement and Marriage

Tommy and Clare publicly revealed their relationship in 2017, two years after Clare became his manager. In June 2017, Clare referred to Tommy as her fiancé in a tweet, and Tommy responded with affection. Their engagement was celebrated with heartfelt messages on social media. They married on December 5, 2017, in a beach ceremony in the Bahamas, shortly after the birth of their son, Franklin. The intimate wedding had just 30 guests, blending seamlessly with Tommy’s tournament schedule.

Family Life

Clare has two sons, Oscar and Mo, from a previous relationship with her ex-husband, Andy Craig. Both boys have been embraced by Tommy and frequently appear in his social media posts. Oscar and Mo are also making strides in the golf world, with notable achievements in junior tournaments. The couple’s first child together, Franklin, was born on September 28, 2017. Tommy withdrew from the British Masters to be present at his son’s birth, describing it as “the most beautiful and proud moment” of his life.

Clare’s Support on the Tour

Clare is a constant presence at Tommy’s matches, offering unwavering support. She has been seen cheering him on at various tournaments, including the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and the Ryder Cup. Clare’s deep understanding of the sport and her admiration for Tommy’s talent have only strengthened their bond.

Tommy Fleetwood’s Career and Future Goals

Tommy Fleetwood continues to make waves in the golf world. With seven victories on the European Tour, one win on the Sunshine Tour, and another on the Challenge Tour, he has established himself as a formidable player. Despite coming close in major tournaments, his eyes are now set on the Olympics, where he aims to emulate Justin Rose’s gold medal triumph at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Conclusion

Tommy and Clare Fleetwood’s story is one of resilience, love, and professional synergy. Their journey from manager and golfer to a married couple with a beautiful family is inspiring. Clare’s influence on Tommy’s career and their ability to balance work and personal life highlights their strong partnership. As Tommy continues to strive for greatness in the golf world, Clare remains his steadfast supporter, both on and off the course.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How did Tommy and Clare Fleetwood meet?

Tommy and Clare Fleetwood met through Tommy’s brother, Joe, who worked with Clare at Hambric Sports Management. They became acquainted during Tommy’s time on the tour before forming a professional relationship in 2015.

2. What role does Clare Fleetwood play in Tommy’s career?

Clare Fleetwood is Tommy’s manager and has played a crucial role in his success. She balances her professional duties with their personal relationship, providing grounding and strategic advice.

3. How did Tommy and Clare handle their age difference?

Initially, Clare was hesitant about their 23-year age difference, but she eventually embraced their relationship. Despite industry gossip, their strong bond and mutual respect helped them navigate these challenges.

4. When did Tommy and Clare get married?

Tommy and Clare got married on December 5, 2017, in a beach ceremony in the Bahamas, shortly after the birth of their son, Franklin.

5. Does Clare have children from a previous relationship?

Yes, Clare has two sons, Oscar and Mo, from a previous relationship. Both boys have been integrated into Tommy and Clare’s family and have shown interest in golf.