Tommy Fleetwood's character shone through when he found time in his packed schedule to caddie for stepson Oscar Craig at the UAE Challenge in Abu Dhabi last April. The gesture perfectly captures the family-first values that have now carried the Southport golfer to his first PGA Tour victory.
The 34-year-old finally broke through at the Tour Championship in Atlanta, claiming both the tournament and the FedEx Cup in a £7.4 million windfall. After 163 attempts, according to WalesOnline, Fleetwood's persistence paid off as supporters cheered him on at East Lake.
Family foundation of success
Fleetwood credits much of his success to his support system, anchored by wife and manager Clare, who is 23 years his senior. The couple shares six-year-old son Frankie, while Fleetwood has embraced his role as stepfather to Clare's sons Oscar, 18, and Murray from her previous marriage.
Oscar was present to witness his stepfather's career pinnacle, though Clare wasn't in attendance. The teenager competed as an amateur in that Abu Dhabi event, finishing 60th with Fleetwood carrying his clubs.
"I remember very well everything that he was going through with me when he was on the bag, even just little things like reading the slopes on the green and from the fairway," Oscar said before the Scottish Challenge later that year.
Unbreakable family bonds
Fleetwood has previously opened up about their close-knit family dynamic on the Fore Play podcast. "I think the whole family, we are unbelievably close," he said.
"When people ask, 'Do you have kids,' pretty much all the time, I say, 'Yeah, three kids.' And they go, 'How old are they?' [I say] '17 and 16 and six.' And then you get the look."
He explained how he's been a parental figure to Murray since the boy was five years old. "When the five of us are together, it's always our safe space," Fleetwood added.
Victory emotions and gratitude
Following his triumph, an emotional Fleetwood reflected on the journey. "I was a bit erratic today at times and I was really proud of how I found my swing again on the 11th or 12th hole," he said.
"Still when you've lost it so many times, a three-shot lead down the last doesn't feel like that many. I am just so happy I got it done, happy with my work ethic."
The golfer, who has seven DP World Tour victories, expressed deep gratitude for his supporters. "They're amazing and it makes me a bit emotional. Always so lucky with the support I get," he said.
"I said we'll do it together and I felt like we did. I am really happy for me and everyone who has supported me through this."
Sources used: "Mirror", "Daily Mail", "WalesOnline" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
