In the world of professional sports, where personal lives are often as scrutinized as athletic performance, the relationship between golfer Tommy Fleetwood and his wife, Clare, has consistently drawn attention. But the focus, perhaps too often, zeroes in on one single detail: their age gap. Clare is 23 years older than Tommy. It’s a fact they’ve never hidden, and one they’ve addressed with a refreshing mix of honesty and humor. Yet, to define their marriage solely by this number is to miss the richer, more compelling story of a genuine partnership built on trust, shared goals, and deep mutual respect.
When they married in December 2017, the headlines were predictable. Yet, from the very beginning, the couple has projected a united front that seems entirely unbothered by external commentary. Tommy himself has joked about it, telling *The Times*, “Oh, we definitely get comments. But it’s never been a thing to us.” With a lighthearted touch, he even credited their appearances for balancing things out: “Clare actually looks very young for her age and I look old — it’s probably all that sun.” This ability to laugh about the scrutiny reveals a confidence in their relationship that transcends public opinion.
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A Partnership On and Off the Course
What’s far more significant than their age difference is the structure of their partnership. Clare isn’t just Tommy’s wife; she’s also his manager. Their professional relationship began before their romantic one, when Tommy joined Hambric Sports Management in 2015, where Clare worked. This foundation of professional respect evolved into a deep personal connection.
This dual dynamic of spouse and agent creates a level of trust that most athletes can only dream of. Tommy has said as much, explaining on the “Performance People” podcast, “There’s nobody that I trust more or that I’m going to trust more to make the best decisions for us really.” Their lives are deeply intertwined, with shared goals and a common vision for his career. This isn’t a casual relationship; it’s a fully integrated life and business partnership.
Capturing a Shared Journey, Not Just a Gap
While certain photos might be presented to make their age difference “glaringly obvious,” a closer look often reveals moments of shared joy and success.
A Moment of Victory (Abu Dhabi Championship, January 2018): After a tournament win, the photos capture pure, unadulterated joy. Clare’s arm wrapped around Tommy’s waist, a celebratory kiss—these are the images of a supportive partner sharing in a career highlight. The focus is on achievement and affection, not on wrinkles or age.
A New Chapter (Holding their newborn, November 2017): The birth of their son marked a monumental moment in their lives. A picture from this time shows a family united in love, embarking on the journey of parenthood together. It’s a testament to the life they have built, far more meaningful than any superficial analysis.
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Elegant Partnerships (Ryder Cup Gala, September 2023): At formal events, they present a picture of a solid, supportive couple. Whether coordinating outfits or standing together at golf’s most prestigious gatherings, they carry themselves with a quiet dignity that speaks to the strength of their bond.
The narrative that fixates on their age often overlooks these simple truths: they laugh together, celebrate together, and have built a family and a business together. Clare’s absence from Tommy’s FedEx Cup win in 2025 may have sparked rumors, but it’s also a reminder that every partnership has its own private rhythms and reasons, unrelated to outside speculation.
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In the end, the story of Tommy and Clare Fleetwood isn’t a scandal about an age gap. It’s a story about finding your perfect teammate. It’s about a golfer who has his most trusted advisor by his side every step of the way. The numbers might be easy to count, but the strength of their relationship is what truly counts.
Just over six years after tying the knot, Tommy Fleetwood and Clare Fleetwood dressed in their best for the Ryder Cup Gala in September 2023. The British golf star kept it simple with a dark blue suit and skinny tie. Clare, however, chose a more elegant look: a black gown with a Queen Anne neckline and off-the-shoulder straps. The piece also had a slit up the middle of the skirt, which exposed her matching sandal heels, and she accessorized with a silver watch and necklace. It was a lovely gown, but the revealing nature did little to mask her true age.
Abu Dhabi Championship – January 2018
Both Tommy Fleetwood and Clare Fleetwood were all smiles after he won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in January 2018. The couple posed together, with Tommy holding the trophy. He rocked a coral orange golf shirt and white pants. Meanwhile, his wife wore a white dress shirt with the top buttons undone, and she left the top untucked from her black slacks. They were cozy while posing for snaps, with Clare wrapping her arm around her hubby’s waist. The Fleetwoods also packed on the PDA by sharing a kiss after the tournament’s final round. That image only amplified the age discrepancy, as Tommy planted a smooch on his wife’s wrinkled cheek.
Dubai Invitational – January 2024
At the Dubai Invitational in January 2024, Tommy Fleetwood and Clare Fleetwood color-coordinated their outfits. Clare sported an olive green romper, and the golfer wore a white shirt with olive green slacks. While posing for photos, Tommy flung his arms around his wife, who did herself no favors with her short shorts and rolled-up sleeves. Her outfit further accentuated the difference in skin tone between her arms and legs and Tommy’s golfer tan.
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