In Southport, young golfers still talk about the local boy who made it big on the international stage. Tommy Fleetwood’s journey from their hometown courses to golf’s biggest stages continues to inspire. However, the full story of how that inspiration gets passed forward has remained largely untold.
The documentary “How Golf Changed My Life Forever” recently aired on Fleetwood’s YouTube channel. Moreover, it revealed fascinating insights about the people who shaped his legacy. Most importantly, it exposed the pivotal role his wife, Clare, played in creating something far greater than tournament victories.
Norman Marshall, Fleetwood’s first coach at Formby Hall, shared a remarkable story during the documentary. He recalled watching Tommy’s early development with pride. “It was like a one stage at a time and think, ‘Yeah, he’s come from Southport, a house not far from mine and he could actually do it and go all the way,’” Marshall explained.
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Then came the moment that changed everything. Marshall revealed how Clare took the initiative during the British Masters at Hillside. “Tommy’s wife rang me and said, ‘We’d like to set up an academy and we’d like you to run it. We’d like to base it on the games and drills that you use to teach Tommy,’” he shared. Furthermore, this phone call marked the beginning of what would become a global grassroots movement.
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Clare’s vision extended far beyond a simple coaching setup. Instead, she orchestrated the creation of the first Tommy Fleetwood Academy at Formby Hall in 2019. Additionally, she ensured Marshall would lead the program using the exact methods that developed Tommy’s skills. Clare’s strategic thinking reflects her extensive background as a sports management professional who balances multiple demanding roles beyond traditional expectations.
The academy quickly proved successful with its structured approach. Consequently, Clare’s vision expanded internationally when DP World approached them about replicating the model in Dubai. She helped negotiate the partnership that launched the Dubai academy at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November 2022.
Tommy Fleetwood’s Most Important Victory Happens Beyond the Ryder Cup
Fleetwood’s professional achievements speak volumes about his talent. He recently captured his first PGA Tour victory at the 2025 Tour Championship. Moreover, he earned the FedExCup title and $10 million prize after 164 attempts. His Ryder Cup record shows 7 wins, 3 losses, and 2 ties across three appearances. Additionally, he delivered Europe’s winning point against Rickie Fowler in Rome 2023.
Nevertheless, the academy’s impact dwarfs these individual accomplishments. The UK academy has transformed young lives since 2019 through its game-based approach. Meanwhile, the Dubai operation has reached over 25,000 school children through its innovative mobile container program. The program visits schools with TrackMan technology and equipment at no cost to participants.
Marshall reflected on this broader impact with evident pride. “Life changing for me personally, but also for the thousands of kids now that have come through the academy. It’s been great,” he noted. Furthermore, the international expansion has created opportunities across two continents.
Fleetwood himself acknowledges this legacy’s significance with genuine emotion. “I’ve been very lucky all my life with people that I’ve been surrounded by and the support that I’ve had. Hopefully we are creating exactly the same for all these kids that take up the game at grassroots and want to go wherever they want to go with the game,” he explained.
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Clare’s initial phone call has created a ripple effect that continues growing. The academies now serve as templates for youth development worldwide. Therefore, her vision has built something more enduring than any tournament trophy.
This reveals Tommy Fleetwood’s most significant victory. While Ryder Cup moments create temporary celebrations, the academies create lifelong opportunities. Clare’s strategic thinking transformed one golfer’s success into thousands of children’s dreams.