Clare Fleetwood has spoken about her relationship with golfer husband Tommy and how they have had to wade through gossip to make it work.
Clare Fleetwood, the wife of professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood, has opened up about the challenges they have faced in their relationship, particularly regarding the scrutiny and gossip they encountered. Clare, who is not only Tommy’s spouse but also his agent, has shared how the couple navigated through various obstacles, especially during the early years of their relationship.
Clare Fleetwood, 56, reflected on the impact of their 23-year age difference, which drew considerable attention and skepticism from those around them. This scrutiny, Clare revealed, was more pronounced at the beginning of their relationship. The public and industry insiders often speculated about their age gap, which led to a degree of paranoia and self-doubt on Clare’s part. Despite this, she had unwavering faith in their relationship. “It was kind of big news in our circle, so I was a little bit paranoid about all that really. But not for any reason of our relationship, and I had full faith once we fell in love,” she said. Clare explained that while they had to manage external gossip, they quickly proved to those who doubted them that their relationship was genuine and solid. Over time, even those who were initially skeptical came to recognize the authenticity of their bond.
In addition to managing public perception, Clare has had to balance her dual role as Tommy’s partner and his professional agent. She has a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of his career, including sponsorships, logistics, public relations, and financial matters. Clare admitted that this extensive involvement can sometimes be overwhelming, as she tends to focus on every detail. “I know everything on every side – so there’s sponsorship side, the logistics side, the PR side, the accounts side, everything. Maybe sometimes too much, you know, because then that’s all I think about sometimes,” she noted. This deep involvement can complicate decision-making for her, as she considers both the business implications and their personal life.
Tommy Fleetwood, 33, expressed his gratitude for Clare’s involvement in his professional life. He highlighted the trust he places in her judgment, noting that she makes decisions that benefit both him as an individual and their family as a whole. Tommy emphasized that Clare’s role extends beyond mere professional management to encompass the welfare of their family. He stated, “At the end of the day, there’s nobody that I trust more or that I’m going to trust more to make the best decisions for us really. She’s making decisions for the family as well as I guess me as an individual.” Tommy appreciates Clare’s business acumen and acknowledges that her decisions are made with the family’s best interests in mind. He also mentioned that while Clare sometimes focuses on his career, he views their decisions as being made for the collective good of the family.
Clare also discussed their approach to financial decisions within their relationship. She highlighted that their priorities often extend beyond financial gain. Instead, Clare and Tommy consider the impact of decisions on their family life and overall well-being. Clare explained that their financial considerations are not solely about maximizing profit but also about ensuring that decisions align with their values and family needs. “What’s good and what was good in the first few years is not seeing things just for the financial side,” Clare remarked. She emphasized that while her role as an agent typically involves evaluating financial benefits, she has shifted her focus to what is genuinely best for their family. This approach has led them to turn down numerous opportunities that, while financially beneficial, did not align with their family values or priorities. “We’ve turned down loads, absolutely loads because I just know his time, I genuinely know that day will be more important to him at home than whatever is being made in the bank account,” Clare explained. Her priority is to ensure that Tommy’s time and their family’s well-being are valued above financial considerations.
In summary, Clare Fleetwood’s insights reveal the complexities of managing a high-profile relationship and career. Despite facing initial skepticism and managing extensive responsibilities, Clare and Tommy Fleetwood have navigated these challenges by focusing on their genuine connection and prioritizing their family’s needs over financial gains. Their partnership exemplifies a blend of professional management and personal commitment, reflecting their dedication to each other and their family.
