PONTE VEDRA BEACH — Tommy Fleetwood has confirmed that his family remains safe despite the recent military conflict unfolding in the Middle East. The English golfer, who relocated to Dubai in 2022 and operates a golf academy at Jumeirah Golf Estates, spoke about the situation ahead of the Players Championship, emphasizing the safety of his loved ones amid escalating regional tensions.
Fleetwood’s Residence and Regional Conflict Overview
Though Fleetwood is originally from England, his current home is in the United Arab Emirates, where he also manages a golf academy tied to the DP World Tour Championship‘s season finale. The UAE, along with neighboring countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, has been targeted by retaliatory strikes from Iran following recent bombings conducted by the United States and Israel. These developments have heightened concerns about civilian safety in the affected areas.
Family’s Current Status and Local Response
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Fleetwood shared that his family is still residing within the UAE but is not facing immediate danger. He praised the country’s efforts in maintaining security and conveying a sense of safety to residents during this turbulent period.
“Yeah, it’s been a strange time. I can honestly say that my … you know, my family have been very, very safe,”
Fleetwood said.
I think the UAE, the country, has done an unbelievable job at making everybody feel very safe and very secure and handling that. So I think we feel very lucky.
They’re supposed to travel soon, so I think they’re looking at traveling whenever they can, but the main thing has been that they are safe. I honestly can’t speak highly enough about how well the country has handled things for the people that are over there. Just I haven’t experienced it. I’ve been over here. But, no, my family are sort of happy or as comfortable as they could be in the situations that are going on. So I think we’re all very grateful for how everybody’s handled it over there.
Impact on Fleetwood’s Performance and Focus
Following strong performances with consecutive top-10 finishes earlier in the tour season, Fleetwood’s recent ranking at the Arnold Palmer Invitational fell to 49th place. However, he downplayed any possible link between the conflict and his performance, focusing instead on his commitment to his game despite external distractions.
I definitely won’t be one to say whether it has a role in how I play or not. I think Bay Hill’s hard enough, you know,
Fleetwood said with a laugh.
But I think you just do the best with whatever cards you’re dealt with and try and just, when I’m working or playing or practicing, just throw myself into that. No doubt I would love my family and everybody that’s involved at the moment or in and around the area to be in a sort of more comfortable situation, but like I say, they have handled it unbelievably well. All I can say is that my family have felt very, very safe. So, yeah, like I don’t know. I’m here trying to play golf and working on it. Golf has its ups and downs, but I’m sort of still enjoying the process of practicing and working on that everything’s OK.
Looking Ahead: Fleetwood at the Players Championship
Currently ranked No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking, Fleetwood will feature prominently in this week’s Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. He is set to compete alongside notable golfers Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas during Thursday and Friday’s featured pairings, representing a critical opportunity to maintain his status on the PGA Tour amid ongoing global uncertainties.
