Tommy Fleetwood’s wife set six-month deadline to quit working with golf star

Tommy Fleetwood, the accomplished English golfer currently competing at the Olympic Games in Paris, has recently opened up about the unique dynamics of his working relationship with his wife, Clare. The couple, who have been married since 2017, have shared insights into how they have managed to balance their professional and personal lives, especially given Clare’s role as Tommy’s manager.

 

Tommy Fleetwood, 33, has been making headlines with his strong performance at the Olympic tournament, posting an impressive four-under-par 67 in the first round. His wife, Clare, who is 23 years his senior, has been a significant figure in his professional career. Before their romantic relationship developed, Clare was already involved in managing Tommy’s career. Their initial professional association eventually blossomed into a personal relationship, and they married in 2017.

 

Despite their strong bond, the couple faced a pivotal moment when they had to evaluate the sustainability of their professional relationship. Clare had initially resisted Tommy’s advances due to their age difference and the potential complications it might bring. However, after a period of contemplation and trial, they decided to give their professional partnership a chance. This six-month trial period was crucial in determining whether they could successfully maintain their work-life balance while working together.

 

In an interview on the Performance People podcast in May 2023, Clare reflected on this decision, stating, “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.” This period allowed them to assess their working dynamics and make necessary adjustments.

 

Clare elaborated on how they manage to maintain a separation between work and personal life. She acknowledged that her tendency to discuss work frequently could sometimes encroach upon their personal time. “I talk about work a lot—I can’t help it—but I do make a conscious effort [to switch off]. I can see sometimes in his face that he’s had enough, which is quite often!” she admitted. To mitigate this, they have established a dedicated office space at home. Clare explained that if she needs to discuss work with Tommy, he will come into the office. They have worked hard to ensure that work discussions do not dominate their home life.

 

Tommy, on his part, has found ways to disconnect from work when needed. He enjoys reading books, listening to podcasts, and meditating to unwind. Clare, on the other hand, finds herself inclined to work during her spare time, describing it as a personal weakness. She admitted that it was never her original plan to work so closely with Tommy, but they have managed to make it work.

 

Tommy and Clare have approached their professional relationship with a flexible mindset. Tommy noted, “When we knew we were going to be working together and married, we always said if we felt it wasn’t working, we’d do something else [and change manager], but gave it a go.” This openness to reevaluating their arrangement has been crucial in navigating their dual roles as partners and colleagues.

 

In addition to his professional achievements, Tommy is also a stepfather to Clare’s two children from a previous relationship—Oscar, 17, and Mo, 16. The couple shares a six-year-old daughter, Frankie. As Tommy competes at Le Golf National in Paris, where the Olympic golf tournament is taking place, he is driven by a desire to make his family proud. He has fond memories of the venue, having won the French Open there in 2017. His career has also been marked by significant successes, including a standout performance in the Ryder Cup the following year, where he contributed four points in five matches to help Europe reclaim the trophy.

 

Tommy’s previous Olympic experience, during his debut in Tokyo three years ago, saw him finish in a tie for 16th place with an overall score of 11 under par. Although he did not secure a medal, his performance was commendable. As he competes in Paris, Tommy is hopeful for a strong showing and aims to build on his past experiences to achieve success.

 

In summary, Tommy and Clare Fleetwood’s story is one of professional ambition intertwined with personal commitment. Their journey illustrates how they have managed to balance their work and personal lives, demonstrating that with determination and clear communication, it is possible to thrive both as a couple and as business partners.