Tommy Fleetwood, one of golf’s most beloved figures, finally claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the Tour Championship (and also happened to win the DP World India Championship today). Prior to his Tour Championship victory, Fleetwood had come achingly close numerous times, with 11 runner-up or third-place finishes, and seven top 10s in majors.
The now eight-time DP World Tour winner, recognizable for his precision swing and flowing locks, turned professional in 2010. At 20, he topped the Challenge Tour rankings, then secured his first DP World Tour win at the 2013 Johnnie Walker Championship.
Born in Southport, England, just a mile from Royal Birkdale, Fleetwood grew up sneaking onto its storied fairways with his father, Pete, a former Birkdale caddie. Those childhood moments on the windswept links, host to 10 Open Championships, sparked his passion and shaped his game.
Tommy Fleetwood’s simple advice to help amateur golfers save strokes
By:
Josh Schrock
A protege of English teaching professional Alan Thompson since age 13, Fleetwood began working with legendary coach Butch Harmon in 2023 to elevate his performance. Nicknamed “Fairway Jesus,” he won the 2017 Race to Dubai and earned an Olympic silver medal in 2024. As a Ryder Cup cornerstone, his perfect 4-0 record in 2018 powered Europe’s triumph, and he clinched the decisive point in 2023. And in 2025, he was even better, going 4-1-0 at Bethpage Black. He’s now No. 12 on Europe’s all-time points list with an 11-4-2 record in four Ryder Cup appearances.
Married to Clare Craig, his manager and confidante since 2017, Fleetwood is a devoted father to their sons, Frankie and Mo, and a stepson, Oscar, from Craig’s previous marriage. And he’s the owner of one helluva swing.
Tommy Fleetwood’s timeless swing, explained
Tommy Fleetwood’s backswing in three steps.
Mark Newcombe/Visions in Golf
1. SETUP: Fleetwood’s setup features a retro-style rounded upper back. And he chokes up on the club. Not a bad idea to get closer to the club’s balance point for better control.
2. TAKEAWAY: Copy the way Tommy turns his chest away from the target at the start of his swing. (Note that you can now see the Nike logo on his left chest.) His hips are turning freely too. Great takeaway.
3. TOP: Fleetwood’s clubface is slightly closed to his left wrist, with his right forearm more under the club than most other pros do. This helps him create a supercool delivery position.
Tommy Fleetwood’s follow-through in three steps.
Mark Newcombe/Visions in Golf
4. DOWNSWING: Tommy ducks his head down and to his right as he transitions from the top. Also, notice how low he lowers his rear shoulder. This helps him stay in his “underhanded javelin throw” position nearing impact — a power move for one of the Tour’s smallest players.
5. IMPACT: Take note here, slicers: Fleetwood keeps his right forearm well under his left while keeping his trail arm bent as he nears impact. And look at that right trigger finger — he uses it to get the club square and makes one final push for a powerful impact.
