Tommy Fleetwood finally captured his first PGA Tour victory on Sunday, lifting the prestigious Tour Championship trophy after 164 attempts. Watching proudly from the sidelines was his wife Clare, who has been by his side through every high and low—despite the public scrutiny over their 23-year age difference.
Fleetwood, 34, had long been regarded as one of golf’s most consistent performers, but victory always seemed to slip away. Just weeks earlier, he had stumbled at the FedEx St. Jude Championship after holding a two-shot lead. This time, though, he held firm at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, outlasting Patrick Cantlay by three strokes to claim the £7.4million top prize.
Clare, 57, wasn’t just cheering as his wife—she also serves as his manager and closest confidant. Their story began in 2015 when they met through Fleetwood’s brother Joe, who worked with her at Hambric Sports Management. What started as a professional bond soon grew into something deeper. By 2017, the pair were married and later welcomed their son Frankie. Clare, originally from Manchester, also has two sons from a previous relationship.
Their romance wasn’t without hurdles. Clare admitted that she initially resisted Fleetwood’s advances because of their age gap. Speaking on the Performance People podcast, she said:
“Of course, I [initially] turned him down. I was like, ‘Don’t be stupid.’ We’ve got a 23-year age difference. People doubted us, but those doubters have since redeemed themselves—and admitted they were wrong.”
Fleetwood, on the other hand, stayed patient. Reflecting on how their relationship blossomed, he joked:
“Well, she eventually gave in, I think. She decided to give me some time of day, and luckily, I didn’t mess it up.”
Beyond their marriage, Clare has been instrumental in managing Fleetwood’s career. Though she once considered stepping away from her managerial role after they wed, she later acknowledged that balancing both responsibilities gave her an even greater insight into his professional and personal life.
Now, as Fleetwood basks in the glow of his long-awaited PGA Tour breakthrough, his biggest victory may not just be on the course—but in proving that love and partnership can thrive no matter the obstacles.
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