Why Tommy Fleetwood was once rejected by wife Clare before winning her heart

Tommy Fleetwood’s path to his first PGA Tour victory wasn’t the only thing in his life that required patience. Before he lifted the FedEx Cup in Atlanta on Sunday, he had already waited years for something just as important — winning over his wife, Clare.

The Englishman finally became a PGA Tour champion at his 164th attempt, but his love story with Clare Craig began in similar fashion: slowly, with rejection at first, before blossoming into a lasting partnership.

Fleetwood met Clare, who is also his agent, through his brother in 2015. At the time, Clare was hesitant to allow anything romantic to develop, partly because she wanted to keep their relationship professional — but more significantly because of their 23-year age gap.

Speaking on the Performance People podcast in 2023, Clare admitted:

“We’ve got a 23-year age difference. Of course, I turned him down. I was like, ‘Don’t be stupid.’”

Fleetwood, however, was persistent in a patient, respectful way. Reflecting on how he eventually won her over, he said:

“Well, she just eventually gave in, I think, and thought, ‘I’ll just give him the time of day and then we’ll go from there.’ I didn’t mess up.”

The couple married in 2017 and have since built a family together. They share a son, Franklin, while Clare has two children from a previous relationship — including Oscar, Fleetwood’s stepson, who has even caddied for him on the Challenge Tour.

Clare has been a constant presence by Fleetwood’s side throughout his career, often seen supporting him at tournaments, including during his heartbreak at the Travelers Championship earlier this summer.

But when Fleetwood finally captured his long-awaited first PGA Tour title at East Lake, Clare wasn’t there in person. Instead, she watched from home as the 34-year-old held off Patrick Cantlay and Russell Henley to win by three shots. He celebrated the moment with his caddie Ian Finnis and Oscar.

Reflecting on his breakthrough, Fleetwood said:

“You just keep learning, don’t you? I think this one… there was the Travelers, there was Memphis… This wasn’t the most comfortable I’ve been because you start thinking of the others. But I’ve had a great attitude throughout it all. I was a bit erratic at times but then I found my swing on the 11th and changed my routine.”

After years of near misses, Fleetwood’s persistence — both on the course and in love — has finally paid off.