Tommy Fleetwood is in contention at The Open, heading into the back nine at Royal Birkdale Golf Club just two shots off the lead on eight under par, trailing Sam Burns who sits at 10 under. The 35-year-old Englishman, long considered one of the finest players never to have won a major, has an outside chance to change that narrative.
Family Support Behind Fleetwood's Run
Fleetwood's tight-knit family has played a central role in his career. He is married to his long-standing manager Clare Fleetwood, who is 23 years his senior. The couple first met as Fleetwood was building his professional golf career, with Clare managing him. Their professional relationship developed into romance, and they married in 2017 in the Bahamas.
The age gap has drawn public curiosity, but Fleetwood has consistently dismissed outside interest. "I tell my kids all the time the biggest life skill you can have is finding a great woman," he told The Times in 2023. "And I did manage that."
Clare, now 57, spoke openly about their age difference on the 2023 Performance People podcast. "We've got a 23-year age difference," she said, explaining why she initially resisted dating Tommy. "Of course I turned him down. I was like, 'Don't be stupid.'" The age gap was "big news in our circle, so I was a little bit paranoid" about what "other people were thinking all the time," she admitted. "But once we fell in love, that's it. We were in. People saw us and knew it meant something. And then it was just navigating through the gossip, basically. And the people who were the doubters have redeemed themselves and admitted they doubted wrongly."
The couple share one son, Franklin, and Fleetwood is stepfather to Clare's two sons from an earlier relationship. The family moved from the UK to Dubai, where Fleetwood has enjoyed some of his most fruitful career years. "My whole family is here, there are so many familiar faces, and the course is just around the corner from home," he said.
Stepson Murray Craig: A Rising Golf Talent
One member of the Fleetwood household is already making a name in golf. Clare's son Murray Craig, 17, is considered one of England's most promising junior talents. He recently secured a place in the prestigious Curry Cup after impressing on Stephen Curry's Underrated Golf Tour. Craig — often known as 'Mo' — clinched his spot by winning a play-off at the season-opening European event at The Belfry, earning a place at the season-ending tournament in the United States at Bethpage Black.
The Underrated Golf Tour, founded by NBA superstar Stephen Curry, aims to open doors for gifted young golfers from underrepresented backgrounds and has become a prominent junior circuit. Craig's achievement gives him another chance to showcase his abilities internationally.
Speaking to Town and Country, Fleetwood said of 'Mo': "Our middle boy, he doesn't really respect my opinions very much. He doesn't really listen that much. He likes having his own mindset and doing things, but then he'll ask me afterwards. I don't mind at all. I'd like to think I'm pretty chilled, but I don't know. You'll have to ask the others that; hopefully I hide my emotions behind it."
Fleetwood added: "My kids become my biggest sort of motivation. I want to be the best example for them as well... I do feel like there's times when I achieve things and I love being able to show them that dreams are possible. I love that. That's where I get my most satisfaction."
