Tommy Fleetwood’s wife has had her say on LIV Golf and didn’t hold back

Tommy Fleetwood’s decision to turn down a lucrative offer from LIV Golf was significantly influenced by discussions with his wife, Clare Fleetwood. This choice has sparked considerable interest, particularly given the high-profile nature of LIV Golf’s attempts to recruit top PGA Tour players.

 

Tommy Fleetwood, a renowned golfer who has achieved considerable success, including an Olympic silver medal, faced a pivotal decision when approached by LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed tour known for its substantial financial incentives. LIV Golf’s aggressive recruitment strategy has attracted numerous prominent golfers over the past few years, with its substantial financial packages proving highly enticing.

 

Fleetwood, who is 33, discussed the offer with his wife Clare, who also manages his career. Clare is 56 and has been a crucial part of Tommy’s professional life since he joined Hambric Sports Management in 2015. Their professional relationship soon blossomed into a personal one, leading to their marriage two years later and the birth of their son, Franklin, who is now six. Clare also has two sons from her previous marriage, making their family dynamic even more significant in the decision-making process.

 

In their conversation on the Performance People podcast, Tommy Fleetwood emphasized that money was not the primary motivation behind his decision. He shared that his primary focus has always been on personal satisfaction and performance rather than financial gain. Fleetwood stated, “Most people—most sportsmen, really—don’t actually do it for the money. I never really played for the money. I can look at what I’ve earned at any given time on any week. But really, it’s much more about myself, satisfaction, and how I perform. Can I win the tournaments? That (money) didn’t come into the equation for me.”

 

Fleetwood further explained that while the financial offer from LIV Golf was substantial and appealing, particularly the prospect of earning a paycheck regardless of performance, he and Clare ultimately assessed the situation based on other factors. Clare’s perspective was crucial in this decision. She reportedly told Tommy, “It’s what makes you happy, and it’s what you feel is best for you.” This advice highlights that the decision was grounded in personal fulfillment and professional integrity rather than purely financial considerations.

 

Clare added that the offer from LIV Golf “won’t change our life,” reinforcing that the Fleetwood family’s lifestyle and values were not aligned with making a move based solely on financial incentives. Tommy Fleetwood agreed, emphasizing that his career decisions are motivated by a desire to excel as a golfer and to achieve the highest level of performance, regardless of where he plays. He clarified that whether playing on the PGA Tour or another circuit, his focus remains on maximizing his potential as an athlete.

 

Fleetwood’s choice has proven prescient, as evidenced by his performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He finished as the runner-up at Le Golf National, losing to Scottie Scheffler. This achievement underscores the importance of maintaining a competitive edge and participating in events that contribute to the Official World Golf Ranking—a key factor in qualifying for the Olympics. Had he joined LIV Golf, Fleetwood’s participation in such high-profile events might have been jeopardized due to LIV’s tournaments not contributing to the world ranking system.

 

Throughout Fleetwood’s career and personal journey, Clare has played a pivotal role, managing his professional affairs and supporting him in both personal and professional aspects. Their decision to reject LIV Golf’s offer reflects a broader commitment to pursuing excellence and integrity in the sport, valuing personal satisfaction and family considerations over financial gain. This approach has not only shaped Tommy Fleetwood’s career but has also been affirmed by his continued success and satisfaction in his professional endeavors.