Tommy Fleetwood began his Ryder Cup campaign alongside close friend Rory McIlroy on Friday morning — but instead of focusing solely on his golf, the Englishman was subjected to a cruel heckle about his wife.
Fleetwood, 34, is married to Clare, 57, with whom he shares a son, Frankie. Clare also has two older children from a previous relationship, whom Fleetwood has helped raise. The pair have long been open about their 23-year age difference, but American fans at Bethpage Black seized on it in the most brutal way.
As Fleetwood stepped onto the first tee, some supporters shouted: “Your wife looks like my grandmother,” in a clear attempt to rattle him.
The comments came just a day after Fleetwood and McIlroy were announced as Europe’s opening foursomes pairing against Collin Morikawa and Harris English. Despite the taunts, Fleetwood showed little sign of distraction, sharing smiles and hugs with McIlroy before the duo struck first with a birdie to go 1-up.
Fleetwood and Clare met through work when she initially became his manager. Though she initially dismissed his romantic interest because of their age difference, Fleetwood’s persistence eventually paid off, and the couple married in 2017. He has often spoken proudly about being a stepfather as well as a dad.
“Whenever anyone asks, I just say I have three kids,” Fleetwood explained on Barstool Sports’ Fore Play podcast. “People ask the ages — 17, 16 and six — and then I get the look. I explain the older two are Clare’s from before, but I’ve never thought of them as step-kids. I’ve been lucky to have that role since they were young.”
He has also acknowledged the challenges of public scrutiny, but insists family life is his anchor. “When the five of us are together, that’s our safe space,” Fleetwood said.
On Friday, he looked every bit unfazed, choosing to let his golf do the talking rather than rise to the New York crowd’s taunts.
