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Tommy Fleetwood has expressed relief after his family were able to return to England from Dubai despite the conflict in the Middle East. Fleetwood, the world No 3, has been competing in Florida as his wife, son and two stepsons sought to leave their home of four years. They landed back in the UK on Wednesday evening.
Fleetwood spoke about the situation after a fine 69 to open the Players Championship. While typically understanding of a bigger picture, it would only be natural for Fleetwood to have been distracted during recent tournaments. “Of course,” said Fleetwood when asked if he now felt reassured. “It is difficult not being able to travel. That has obviously been difficult. But when you know they’re fine, that’s kind of a relief.
“I think [Fleetwood’s wife] Clare is very relieved now. She feels good and everything.It’s just not a great time for so many people in the country. It’s just unsettling for everyone, really. It’s easy for me to say it’s been on my mind but at the same time I’m not the one who was there.”
The Fleetwoods were among a reported tens of thousands of Britons attempting to leave the United Arab Emirates, with passenger flights grounded for days on end. “It wasn’t easy,” Fleetwood added. “They had one flight that was cancelled or suspended. And then they got lucky getting out because they got out on the flight and then I think something happened at the airport while they were in the air or something. So they got lucky timing wise.
“All I can say is that my family felt very safe and think the nation and the leaders have done an amazing job of making everybody feel safe and well and protected. I know my family have been safe and that’s the important thing. But you would wish for different.”
Fleetwood’s family are expected to join him before an upcoming PGA Tour stop in Texas.
Fleetwood enjoyed a golden run over a notoriously difficult stretch at Sawgrass. He made an eagle at the 16th before delivering birdies on the next two holes in reaching his turn in 32. Three bogeys were included in the front nine, his back, but the 35-year-old was still rightly content with his day at the office. “I played solidly and hit a lot of good shots,” he said.
Rory McIlroy took to the 1st tee and promptly battered a drive 330 yards down the fairway despite pre-tournament concerns about the back injury that caused him to withdraw from last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational before round three.
Scottie Scheffler’s low-key start to the season continued with a level-par 72 for the world No 1. “I am hoping to clean it up a little bit over the next few days,” the American said.
His compatriot Justin Thomas’s 68 meant a welcome return to prominence as he continues his recovery from having back surgery in late 2025. “I feel confident with things,” said Thomas. “But until it happens in competition, it’s kind of hard to fully buy into ‘you’re ready’.”
