Tommy Fleetwood said he felt a wave of relief after his family managed to fly back to England from Dubai despite the turmoil in the Middle East. The world No. 3 has been playing in Florida while his wife, son and two stepsons tried to leave the home they have shared for four years. They touched down in the UK on Wednesday evening.
Fleetwood addressed the matter after posting a tidy 69 to start the Players Championship. Although he usually keeps a broad perspective, it was inevitable that recent events would occupy his thoughts during competition. “Naturally,” he replied when asked whether he now felt more at ease. “It’s hard when travel is restricted. That has been a real challenge. But knowing they’re safe is a huge comfort.”
He added, “I think Clare is very relieved now. She feels much better. It’s a difficult period for many people in the country, unsettling for everyone. I can say it’s on my mind, but I wasn’t the one on the ground.”
The Fleetwoods were among tens of thousands of Britons trying to exit the United Arab Emirates, where passenger flights were suspended for several days. “It wasn’t simple,” Fleetwood said. “One flight was cancelled or delayed, and they were fortunate to catch the next one. Something happened at the airport while they were in the air, so the timing worked out for them.”
He continued, “All I can say is my family felt secure, and I think the government and its leaders have done a commendable job of keeping people safe and protected. Knowing my family is safe is what matters, even though we would have preferred a different situation.”
The family is expected to join him before his next PGA Tour stop in Texas.
Fleetwood produced a strong stretch on the notoriously tough Sawgrass layout, carding an eagle on the 16th and birdies on the following two holes to reach his turn at 32. He recorded three bogeys on the front nine and another on the back, yet the 35‑year‑old remained satisfied with his performance. “I played consistently and hit a lot of good shots,” he remarked.
Rory McIlroy opened the first tee with a 330‑yard drive down the fairway, despite pre‑tournament worries about the back problem that forced his withdrawal from last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational before the third round.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler posted a level‑par 72 in his modest start to the season. “I hope to tighten things up over the next few days,” the American said.
Justin Thomas, who shot a 68, marked a promising return as he continues recovering from back surgery performed in late 2025. “I feel confident about my game,” Thomas said. “But until I prove it in competition, it’s hard to fully convince myself that I’m ready.”
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