Golfer Tommy Fleetwood discussed his choice to remain with the PGA Tour, resisting the lucrative allure of the controversial LIV Golf league. Despite a handsome offer to join the Saudi-funded series, the Team GB Olympic silver medallist remained steadfast, turning down the opportunity earlier this year.
At the heart of his decision was a conversation with his key confidante and wife, Clare, who is also his manager and 23 years his senior. The pair weighed up the financial incentives versus personal satisfaction from the sport itself.
Fleetwood, while on the Performance People podcast, spoke about the role of money in sports: "Most people - most sportsmen really, don't actually do it for the money. I never really played for the money. I can look at what I've earned at any given time on any week."
Fleetwood expanded on the discussion of finances versus fulfillment, expressing that his motivation lies beyond monetary gain: "But really it's much more about myself, satisfaction and how I perform, can I win the tournaments? That (money) didn't come into the equation for me but definitely for some people, and you can see how appealing it is. For sure, there's a lot to be said."
He further revealed the depth of his conversations with Clare, saying, "Play poorly and I'll get paid, that would be great. But I also think that's where for me, I would turn to Clare - and we did at the time, that's the kind of thing you talk about, because it's not just you that's involved in it."
His integrity and love for golf appear to have guided his path, marking Fleetwood as an athlete who prioritises passion over paychecks.
Fleetwood, currently ranked World No. 11, opened up about his career decisions, emphasising the importance of happiness and self-fulfilment over financial gain.
"It's my passion obviously, but you have a family as well and there's a lot more decisions that go into it. But ultimately, Clare always says to me 'it's what makes you happy and it's what you feel is best for you'. That was pretty much it wasn't it? You said 'will it actually make any difference, is it going to change your life? '" he shared.
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"It won't change our life," chimed in Clare, his wife and manager, reinforcing the sentiment. Fleetwood elaborated: "And it doesn't really. Everything that I do is to play as well as I can and get the most out of myself as a golfer, as a sportsman and as an athlete.
"And that's all I've ever thought about. Whether that's playing where I am now or playing somewhere else, I would make a decision based on that and not on the money."
Fleetwood's approach seems to be paying off, as evidenced by his impressive runner-up finish at the Games - a feat he might not have achieved had he joined LIV Golf, whose events don't contribute to the Official World Golf Ranking, crucial for qualifying to represent one's country.
Clare, 56, has been a pillar of support for Fleetwood, managing him since he joined Hambric Sports Management in 2015. Their professional relationship blossomed into a personal one, leading to marriage two years after the birth of their son Franklin, despite Clare initially turning down Fleetwood's romantic pursuits.
