Tommy Fleetwood, the celebrated Ryder Cup star, has been residing in Dubai since early 2022, a choice that aligns with his personal and professional priorities. His move to the United Arab Emirates coincides with increasing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly following recent missile strikes involving Iran, the USA, and Israel. While Fleetwood is currently absent from the PGA Tour‘s Cognizant Classic in Florida and his exact whereabouts remain unconfirmed, there is no indication he is currently at risk.
The United Arab Emirates is home to an estimated 240,000 British expatriates, including Fleetwood and his family, who have been advised by local officials to take safety precautions as conflicts escalate.
How the Fleetwood Family Established Their Home in the UAE
Originally from Southport, Tommy Fleetwood relocated to Dubai along with his wife Clare, who is also his manager, in early 2022. Clare is notably 23 years his senior. The couple’s household includes three sons, two of whom are from Clare’s previous marriage, and all are reported to be cultivating an interest in golf. The move away from the UK has clearly supported both family stability and Fleetwood’s career development.
Professional Success and Personal Growth Linked to the Relocation
Since settling in Dubai, Tommy Fleetwood has witnessed a rise in his professional standing. He secured his first PGA Tour victory late last summer, a milestone achieved after years of dedication. Moreover, he played a critical role in Europe’s Ryder Cup success. The Jumeirah Golf Estates—one of Dubai’s premier golf venues and home to Fleetwood’s own golf academy—is conveniently located near their home, enhancing the family’s connection to the sport.
Reflecting on life in the Emirates ahead of the DP World Tour Championship last November, Fleetwood remarked on the comfort of living close to the familiar golf courses and having his entire family nearby. His golf academy is a testament to his commitment to nurture new talent and contribute to the sport’s growth in the region.
Fleetwood’s Vision for Golf Development in Dubai
In an interview with Esquire Middle East in June 2024, Fleetwood highlighted the vibrant golf culture in Dubai and the broad opportunities for growth in coaching and player development. He underlined his dedication to teaching and fostering young players, explaining:
“I feel like golf, and the lessons you learn in golf, will help you succeed in any walk of life, so setting up the Academy and teaching kids is something I’ve always been interested in. Being here more permanently has definitely allowed me to further pursue that.” – Tommy Fleetwood, Professional Golfer
He also expressed confidence that the sport’s popularity will continue expanding, with more courses likely to be constructed and a growing number of players taking up the game:
“I think more people will take up the game and I think it will keep growing here. So it definitely has a strong place in the world of golf.” – Tommy Fleetwood, Professional Golfer
Safety Concerns for British Expats as Regional Crisis Unfolds
Amid the unfolding conflict in the Middle East, the priorities of many British nationals in the region, including Fleetwood and his family, have shifted towards security. Authorities have issued instructions for expatriates to remain indoors or in protected locations and avoid windows due to the threat of missile attacks. While the immediate danger to Fleetwood is not confirmed, these alerts highlight the fragile situation facing residents in several Middle Eastern hotspots, including Dubai.
As the geopolitical environment remains unstable, the large British community in the UAE watches developments closely and awaits further guidance. For Tommy Fleetwood, who has combined family life and his passion for golf in Dubai, the hope is for peace and continued opportunity in both personal and professional realms.
