Tommy Fleetwood was made to wait for the love of his life long before winning his first PGA Tour event.
The recently-crowned FedEx Cup champion, who finally won in the States at his 164th try on Sunday, knows all about patience and good things coming to those who wait.
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Fleetwood was initially rejected by his wife Clare over their 23-year age gapCredit: Getty
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The couple tied the knot in 2017 and have a son togetherCredit: Getty
Fleetwood married Clare Craig in 2017, two years after the couple had met through his brother.
Clare also serves as Fleetwood’s agent, having wanted to keep their relationship professional at first.
However, they now have a son together, as well as Clare’s two children from a previous relationship.
Fleetwood’s step son Oscar has even played on the Challenge Tour with the Ryder Cup star as his caddie.
Clare almost rejected him, though, due to doubts over their 23-year age gap.
She told the Performance People podcast in 2023: “We’ve got a 23-year age difference. Of course, I turned him down. I was like, ‘don’t be stupid’.”
How did Fleetwood win over his wife
As for how Fleetwood was able to win her over, he added: “Well, she just eventually gave in, I think, and thought, ‘I’ll just give him some time.
“I’ll give him the time of day and then we’ll go from there.’ I didn’t mess up.”
Clare has been by Fleetwood’s side on the course throughout their relationship.
She was notably seen comforting him after his agonising end to the Travelers Championship in June as he missed out on a maiden PGA Tour win.
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Fleetwood ended his long wait for a PGA Tour win by becoming FedEx Cup championCredit: Getty
As Fleetwood finally ended his wait for a first victory on Sunday, though, Clare was absent.
The 34-year-old secured the Tour Championship on his 164th PGA Tour start.
His wife was watching on from home as he secured a three-shot win ahead of Patrick Cantlay and Russell Henley.
Although Clare was not in attendance, Fleetwood was able to celebrate with his caddie Ian Finnis and his step-son.
Following the win, the Englishman admitted: “You just keep learning, don’t you? I think this one… there was the Travelers, there was Memphis…
“This wasn’t the most comfortable I’ve been because you start thinking of the others but I’ve had a great attitude throughout it all.
“I was a bit erratic at times but then I found my swing on the 11th and changed my routine…”
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His victory at East Lake Golf Club followed six runner-up finishes and 31 top fives on the PGA Tour.
In doing so, he scooped $10million (£7.4m) in prize money from the event.
It takes his career earnings from winnings to almost $43.5million (£33.8m).
