Tommy Fleetwood’s caddie Ian Finnis has been praised for his efforts during the Ryder Cup by his wife and former Lioness Rachel Brown-Finnis. Fleetwood delivered a stellar performance over the weekend in New York alongside his caddie, emerging as the standout player as Team Europe clinched a rare away victory in the esteemed tournament.
It’s another high point for both the golfer and his long-time bagsman, with Rachel sharing her pride on social media with a selfie of them together. She wrote: “TEEEEAAAAAAAMMM!!!!! What an effort @rydercupeurope -that was absolutely sensational!! Also, I couldn’t be prouder of @finoefc with what he has been through. Thanks Tommy lad. Party!!!!” Her post received a wave of support from various sporting figures, including fellow ex-Lioness Jill Scott, who commented: “Love this, well done guys.”
ITV sports reporter Jacqui Oatley replied: “Amazing @finoefc, Tommy and co have made my husband happy in a way I never could! Congrats boys.”
BBC and Sky Sports presenter Eilidh Barbour added: “Incredible! Caddie/bouncer this week. What a team.”
Barbour’s comment likely refers to the tense moment when Finnis had to intervene between his golfer and American star Bryson DeChambeau following a dispute between Team Europe and Team USA players.
The incident was sparked when DeChambeau’s caddie, Greg Bodine, inadvertently stepped in front of Justin Rose’s line as he was preparing to putt during Saturday’s fourballs match. This led to a fiery exchange between the two golfers, with Fleetwood also getting involved.
Acting as the mediator between the bickering rivals, the 6ft 7in Finnis intervened and said: “Let’s all just chill. Let’s play. He can take as long as he wants.”
The situation was swiftly defused following the caddie’s intervention, demonstrating the high level of respect Finnis has garnered as Fleetwood’s right-hand man throughout his golfing career.
Fleetwood posted his own celebratory Instagram post after Europe’s 15-13 victory, writing: “Dreams are made of occasions like this. Times when you stand shoulder to shoulder like a true team and win together.
“@lukedonald led like he did in Rome but with more armour, power, knowledge and experience. He deserves all the credit, we were just the pieces on a chess board.
“It’s an honour to receive the Nicklaus/Jacklin award and bringing 4 points home to the team but to be honest I’d do anything for this group of incredibly special human beings! ! Love this Team, and always will!!! My heart is [blue].”
