Tommy Fleetwood and Clare Fleetwood’s relationship began through their mutual connection with Tommy’s brother, Joe. Joe worked with Clare at Hambric Sports Management, where Clare held the position of vice president for Europe. Tommy, already familiar with Clare, joined Hambric in 2015. “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,” Tommy wrote in June 2015 on his blog for Golf Monthly. Clare soon became Tommy’s manager, a role she considered stepping away from due to their developing romantic relationship. However, they managed to balance their professional and personal lives, continuing to work together seamlessly.
What is Clare Fleetwood’s Professional Background?
Clare Fleetwood grew up in Manchester, England, and pursued her education there before embarking on a career in sports management. She began working at Hambric Sports Management, where she represented professional golfers. Clare’s dedication and skill led her to become the vice president for Europe at Hambric. Her expertise and experience in sports management have played a crucial role in Tommy Fleetwood’s career, helping him navigate the professional golfing world successfully.
How Did Their Professional Relationship Turn Romantic?
Initially, Clare was hesitant to start a romantic relationship with Tommy due to their 23-year age difference. Tommy, however, was persistent in his pursuit and asked Clare out multiple times before she finally agreed. “We’ve got a 23-year age difference. Of course, I turned him down. I was like, ‘Don’t be stupid,'” Clare recalled. Despite her initial reluctance, once they fell in love, Clare and Tommy committed to each other fully. Clare admitted to feeling “a little bit paranoid” about the industry gossip, but her faith in their relationship never wavered. “I had full faith. Once we fell in love, that’s it … we were in,” she said.
When Did They Get Married?
Tommy and Clare got engaged in 2017, two years after Clare became his manager and they started dating. Their relationship was first publicly acknowledged when Clare referred to Tommy as her fiancé on Twitter. In June 2017, she responded to a post asking fans to “name the player” with “My fiancé @TommyFleetwood1.” Tommy confirmed their engagement after winning the 2017 Open de France by tweeting his appreciation for Clare. They married on December 5, 2017, on a beach in the Bahamas, with a small, intimate ceremony attended by just 30 guests. Tommy played in the Hero World Challenge just days before their wedding, making it a well-planned and convenient celebration.
How Do They Manage Their Work-Life Balance?
Clare continues to manage Tommy’s career while also being his life partner. Tommy attributes much of his success to Clare’s support and management skills. “That calming side, that reality check … that happiness side of things and she’s very clever,” he told Performance People. Clare’s ability to make good decisions and bring perspective to situations has been invaluable to Tommy, especially when he is focused solely on his career. Together, they have struck a perfect balance between their professional and personal lives, allowing both to thrive.
Does Clare Have Children from a Previous Relationship?
Before marrying Tommy, Clare was married to Andy Craig, with whom she has two sons, Oscar and Mo. These boys were born in the early 2000s and are now making names for themselves in the golfing world. In September 2023, Oscar won the FirstPoint USA Boy’s Strokeplay event at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, while Mo tied for third place. Tommy frequently shares family moments with Oscar and Mo on his Instagram, highlighting their close bond.
Do Clare and Tommy Have Children Together?
Clare and Tommy welcomed their first child together, Franklin Fleetwood, on September 28, 2017. Tommy was so excited about the birth that he withdrew from the British Masters to be present for the arrival of his son. “I wanted to give myself every chance of playing this week, but being there at the birth of your child is a special moment in anyone’s life and I would not want to miss it,” he said. Franklin, affectionately called Frankie, is often seen alongside Tommy at various golf events, including the 2024 Masters Par 3 contest.
How Does Clare Support Tommy at His Matches?
Clare is a regular presence at Tommy’s matches, offering unwavering support. She has been spotted cheering him on at numerous tournaments, including the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and the Ryder Cup. Clare’s understanding of the golfing world and her ability to keep Tommy grounded have been crucial to his success. She labeled him as a “golden child” and highlighted his popularity among fans and peers.
Conclusion
Clare Fleetwood is not only Tommy Fleetwood’s wife but also his manager, supporter, and confidant. Their relationship, built on mutual respect and love, has withstood the challenges of the professional golfing world. Clare’s expertise in sports management and her unwavering support have been instrumental in Tommy’s success, making them a formidable team both on and off the golf course.