Tommy Fleetwood’s secret to convincing wife 23-year age gap was a good idea

Tommy Fleetwood has been nothing but determined over the years, not just on the PGA Tour but also when it comes to his relationship with wife Clare, who initially knocked him back

Tommy Fleetwood and Clare Fleetwood have a 23-year age gap(Image: 2025 Getty Images)

Tommy Fleetwood confessed it was “perseverance” which helped him win over his wife Clare, despite their massive 23-year age gap. Fleetwood has finally secured his maiden victory on the PGA Tour at the 164th attempt.

The wait proved worthwhile, as he claimed the Tour Championship for his debut title, which also earned him the FedEx Cup and the colossal £7.4million prize. His PGA Tour drought has ended at the perfect time, with the Ryder Cup starting on September 26.

However, it’s not solely on the golf course where Fleetwood has refused to give up on winning the biggest prizes. The 34-year-old demonstrated similar resolve and persistence when it came to capturing the heart of his wife, Clare, who is 57 years old.

The couple first encountered each other professionally as Clare initially served as Fleetwood’s agent, before they developed romantic feelings. During an appearance on the Ainslie and Ainslie Performance People podcast, the duo provided a glimpse into how they united as a couple.

When prompted to identify the biggest opportunity she has ever rejected, Fleetwood cheekily said: “Me. She turned me down originally.”

Clare then swiftly answered: “I did. We’ve got a 23-year age difference. Of course, I turned him down. I was like, ‘Don’t be stupid!’”

When questioned about how he altered her perspective, Fleetwood said: “She just eventually gave in, I think she thought, ‘I’ll just give him the time of day and we will go from there.’ Then I didn’t mess up. Perseverance, yeah.”

Tommy and Clare Fleetwood married in 2017(Image: 2020 Getty Images)

When quizzed about whether the age gap ever created any awkwardness, Clare said: “It kind of is and isn’t (a thing for them). I mean it was way more at the beginning. It was kind of thinking what other people are thinking all the time.

“Within the industry, 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.

“I had full faith that once we fell in love, I knew that that’s it. Baby and dog yeah, we were in. Then it was just navigating through the gossip, basically.

“But that was quick. People saw us and knew it meant something. The people who were the doubters have redeemed themselves, let’s say, and admitted they doubted wrongly.”

Fleetwood finally got over the line on the PGA Tour(Image: 2025 Ben Jared/PGA Tour)

The pair tied the knot in 2017 and share a son together, while Fleetwood also acts as stepfather to Clare’s two elder boys from a previous partnership. She frequently supports him during tournaments, though she wasn’t present in Atlanta to witness his victory.

Fleetwood maintained his composure to secure the win, finishing three strokes clear of closest rivals Patrick Cantlay and Russell Henley.

After ending the drought, he said: “This wasn’t the most comfortable I’ve been. I feel like I’ve had a great attitude throughout it all. I’m so happy I got it done.”