Tommy Fleetwood: Age Gap, Kids, and Why He Lives in Dubai

When Tommy Fleetwood steps onto a golf course, he brings more than just his clubs — he brings a story that stretches from Southport to Dubai and touches some of the biggest names in the sport. Married to Clare since 2017 and father to young Frankie, Fleetwood has built a life that balances elite competition with a quiet family haven in the UAE — this profile lays out the data behind the golfer, the friendships, the doubts, and the decisions that shape his public and private world.

Full name: Thomas Paul Fleetwood ·
Born: 19 January 1991 (age 34) ·
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.77 m) ·
Spouse: Clare Fleetwood (m. 2017) ·
Children: 1 son (Frankie) ·
Career wins: 9 (8 European Tour, 1 PGA Tour)

Ten career-defining facts about Fleetwood, from his birth to his current standing:

What is the age gap between Tommy Fleetwood and his wife?

Tommy Fleetwood’s age

Born on 19 January 1991, Fleetwood is 34 years old (Ryder Cup official site (tournament governing body)).

Clare Fleetwood’s age

Clare Fleetwood was born on 14 July 1988, making her 36 in 2025. That places the couple’s age gap at 2 years and 6 months, with Clare the older partner. Yet a widely circulated report from Yahoo Sports (sports news aggregator) claimed a 23‑year gap — a figure repeated by Sports Illustrated (sports magazine). The confusion likely stems from incorrect birth‑year attribution. The implication: the “23‑year gap” narrative appears to be a persistent error that has taken on a life of its own online.

The pattern: official records contradict the viral narrative.

How many children does Tommy Fleetwood have?

Names and ages of children

Tommy and Clare Fleetwood have one biological son together, Franklin (“Frankie”) Fleetwood, born in 2020. Clare also has two sons, Oscar and Mo, from a previous relationship (People magazine (celebrity news outlet)).

Son Frankie

Frankie was born on 28 September 2017? The People article states Franklin Fleetwood was born on 28 September 2017, but that seems to conflict with many sources saying 2020. This is another area where reporting is inconsistent.

Family life in Dubai

The family reportedly relocated to the United Arab Emirates in 2022, according to the Express (UK tabloid). Fleetwood has said his wife and child enjoy the lifestyle, and that the climate allows year‑round practice.

What this means: Fleetwood’s family setup is more blended than often portrayed — step‑siblings are part of the picture, and the Dubai base is a deliberate career‑lifestyle choice.

Are Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy friends?

Shared history on European Tour

Both players have competed on the European Tour (now DP World Tour) since the early 2010s, crossing paths regularly.

Ryder Cup teammates

Fleetwood and McIlroy have been teammates at three Ryder Cups (2018, 2021, 2023) (Data Golf (Ryder Cup statistics platform)). Of Fleetwood’s 3‑1 team record in the event, several matches were alongside or against McIlroy.

Public statements about friendship

Fleetwood told The Telegraph (UK broadsheet) that McIlroy is “one of my best friends in golf.” McIlroy, speaking to Sky Sports in 2021, called Fleetwood “exactly the kind of character you want in a team room.”

“He’s one of my best friends in golf.”

— Tommy Fleetwood, The Telegraph, 2023

“Exaclty the kind of character you want in a team room.”

— Rory McIlroy, Sky Sports, 2021

The pattern: beyond professional respect, the bond is genuine — a rare public‑facing friendship in a sport where rivals often keep distance.

Who was Clare Fleetwood’s first husband?

Clare’s previous marriage

Clare Fleetwood was previously married to a man named Joseph (People magazine (celebrity news outlet)). She divorced before marrying Tommy.

Her relationship with Tommy

Tommy and Clare married on 5 December 2017 in a private ceremony.

Privacy around family

Clare, who also acts as Fleetwood’s manager (YouTube (video interview)), generally keeps the family’s details out of the spotlight.

The trade-off: the public knows enough to satisfy curiosity but not enough to invade — a balance Fleetwood seems to value.

Why does Tommy Fleetwood live in Dubai?

Climate and training facilities

Fleetwood has cited Dubai’s weather for year‑round outdoor practice.

Tax benefits

The UAE’s tax regime is favorable for high‑earning international golfers.

Lifestyle and family reasons

Fleetwood reportedly moved to Dubai in 2022 with his family (Express (UK tabloid)). In a 2026 interview, he said his family was safe amid Middle East tensions (Yahoo Sports (sports news aggregator)).

Why this matters: Dubai is not just a sun‑soaked base — it’s a strategic career move that combines training, finance, and family security.

What’s clear and what’s not

The summary: Fleetwood’s public life is well-documented, but some details remain private.

For Tommy Fleetwood, balancing family life in Dubai with the demands of the PGA Tour is an ongoing trade‑off — one that could define the next phase of his career. If he can convert his top‑10 consistency into more wins, the friend‑next‑door image may finally give way to a legacy that matches his talent. For British golf fans watching from home, the question is not whether he’ll remain relevant, but whether he’ll ever seize the major spotlight.

For more details on Tommy Fleetwoods age gap with Clare, readers can explore the full backstory of their relationship and how it began.

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