Tommy Fleetwood, a prominent name in the golfing world, has not only made headlines with his remarkable performances but also with his heartwarming personal life. At the center of this narrative is Clare Fleetwood, his wife and manager, who has played an integral role in both his professional and personal spheres. Let’s delve into the story of Tommy Fleetwood’s wife, Clare, and her journey from a sports management professional to a supportive partner and loving mother.
The Beginning: How Tommy and Clare Met
Tommy Fleetwood and Clare Fleetwood’s story began in 2015 when Tommy switched to Hambric Sports Management, where Clare was already a familiar face. Clare, a Manchester native, had worked her way up to become the vice president of Europe at Hambric Sports Management. She had been representing professional golfers for years, gaining respect and admiration in the industry.
Tommy first met Clare through his brother, Joe, who was working at Hambric Sports Management. Their professional relationship began when Clare approached Tommy about managing his career. Despite their initial interactions being purely professional, Tommy and Clare soon realized they shared a special connection.
Transition from Manager to Wife
In June 2015, Tommy wrote on his blog for Golf Monthly about his positive experiences with Clare, noting that he got along well with her. By the end of 2015, Clare had become Tommy’s manager, and their professional relationship blossomed into a romantic one. This transition was not without its challenges. Clare considered stepping down as Tommy’s manager to avoid potential conflicts of interest. However, they found a way to balance their professional and personal lives.
Clare recalled their early days in a May 2023 interview with the Performance People podcast, saying, “As we were sat there listening to different proposals, I’m like, I can do this … but I just, for some reason, at the beginning thought I couldn’t and I shouldn’t. Then we gave it six months, and it worked, so we carried on.”
Clare’s Impact on Tommy’s Career
Clare’s influence on Tommy’s career has been profound. As his manager, she brought a calming presence and provided crucial reality checks that helped him stay grounded. Tommy credits Clare for many of his successful decisions, highlighting her intelligence and ability to judge situations better than he could while focused on his game. “She judges situations better than you do when you’re playing all the time and you’re so single-minded on what you do and that you don’t look outside the box,” Tommy shared.
Clare’s ability to make sound decisions has been invaluable. Tommy revealed that she often brought him out of difficult situations with her wisdom and insight. Her support has been a cornerstone of his success, both on and off the golf course.
Overcoming Challenges: Age Difference and Public Scrutiny
One of the significant challenges Tommy and Clare faced was their 23-year age difference. Initially, Clare turned down Tommy’s advances, finding the age gap a reason to hesitate. She recalled her initial reaction, “We’ve got a 23-year age difference. Of course, I turned him down. I was like, ‘Don’t be stupid.'”
However, Tommy’s persistence and their growing connection eventually led Clare to reconsider. She admitted that while the age gap was initially a concern, it did not impact their relationship in the long run. Instead, they navigated through gossip and public scrutiny, emerging stronger and more committed to each other.
Announcing Their Engagement
In 2017, two years after they began dating, Tommy and Clare publicly announced their engagement. Their announcement came after Tommy won the 2017 Open de France. In June 2017, the DP World Tour X account (formerly known as Twitter) posted a photo asking golf fans to “name the player,” and Clare responded with, “My fiancé ❤️ @TommyFleetwood1.” Tommy replied, “😍😍😍.”
Their engagement was celebrated widely, and Tommy expressed his gratitude towards Clare in a heartfelt tweet, saying, “My beautiful, amazing fiancé @ClareCraig thank you for everything. Looking after me in every way possible at home and at work! I love you!!x.”
Building a Family Together
Tommy and Clare’s family life is a testament to their deep love and commitment. Clare has two sons from her previous marriage, Oscar and Mo, who have embraced Tommy as a father figure. The boys often appear on Tommy’s Instagram, sharing family moments and golfing achievements.
On September 28, 2017, Clare gave birth to their son, Franklin Fleetwood. Tommy withdrew from the British Masters to be present for Franklin’s birth, calling it “the most beautiful and proud moment” of his life. He celebrated Clare on social media, saying, “Fiancé, best friend, Agent, mother of my son, my hero! Thank you for this moment @ClareCraig! I love you! 💙”
Clare’s Continued Support
Clare continues to be a constant presence at Tommy’s matches, cheering him on and providing unwavering support. She has attended several tournaments, including the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and the Ryder Cup. Clare’s understanding of Tommy’s career and her role as his manager have been crucial in his journey.
She has always recognized Tommy’s popularity among fans and the golf community, describing him as a “golden child” who “never says the wrong thing.” Her support and admiration for Tommy are evident, and she often shares her pride in his accomplishments.
Conclusion
Tommy Fleetwood’s wife, Clare Fleetwood, is much more than just a supportive spouse. She is a crucial part of his career and personal life, bringing balance, wisdom, and unwavering support. Their journey together, marked by professional collaboration and deep personal connection, is a testament to their strong partnership.
Despite challenges like their age difference and public scrutiny, Tommy and Clare have built a loving family and a successful life together. Clare’s impact on Tommy’s career and their shared life continues to be a source of inspiration and admiration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Clare Fleetwood
1. How did Tommy Fleetwood and Clare Fleetwood meet?
Tommy and Clare met through Tommy’s brother, Joe, who worked with Clare at Hambric Sports Management. Their professional relationship began when Tommy switched to Hambric in 2015.
2. What role does Clare Fleetwood play in Tommy Fleetwood’s career?
Clare is Tommy’s manager and has played a significant role in his career. She provides essential support, makes sound decisions, and helps him stay grounded.
3. How did Clare Fleetwood initially react to Tommy’s romantic advances?
Clare initially turned down Tommy’s advances due to their 23-year age difference. However, she eventually reconsidered, and their relationship blossomed.
4. How many children do Tommy and Clare Fleetwood have?
Tommy and Clare have one son together, Franklin Fleetwood, born on September 28, 2017. Clare also has two sons, Oscar and Mo, from her previous marriage.
5. How does Clare support Tommy during his tournaments?
Clare is a regular presence at Tommy’s matches, providing emotional support and cheering him on. Her understanding of his career and her role as his manager have been crucial to his success.