Tommy Fleetwood has confirmed that his family remains stranded in Dubai due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, while he prepares for this week's The Players Championship in Florida. The world number three is set to tee off at Sawgrass on Thursday, competing for the PGA Tour's flagship title and a £3.3 million prize.
Speaking at his pre-tournament press conference, the 35-year-old provided an update on his family's situation. 'They're still in Dubai at the moment,' Fleetwood said. 'It's been a strange time. I can honestly say that my family have been very, very safe.' He praised the UAE for its handling of the situation, noting that the country has made everyone feel safe and secure.
Although airspace over Dubai has partially reopened, Fleetwood is uncertain when his family will be able to join him in the United States. 'They're supposed to travel soon, so I think they're looking at travelling whenever they can, but the main thing has been that they are safe,' he added.
Fleetwood, who has odds of 22/1 to win The Players Championship, had a mixed start to the season, with a tie for fourth and a seventh place in his first two starts, followed by a 49th-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week. When asked if concerns for his family affected his performance there, he declined to use it as an excuse. 'I don't really like to make excuses,' he said. 'I think you just do the best with whatever cards you're dealt with.'
Fleetwood faces stiff competition from Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, who are among the favourites for the title. Despite the distraction, Fleetwood remains focused on the tournament, expressing gratitude that his family has felt safe in Dubai.
