Tommy Fleetwood reflects on making the Masters a family affair, with his son Frank attending every tournament since his birth.
For Tommy Fleetwood, the Masters represents far more than just another tournament on the PGA Tour calendar. It has become a deeply personal family tradition that spans a decade of his career and defines what makes Augusta National so uniquely special.
In a candid reflection on the significance of competing at the Masters, Fleetwood spoke about the profound impact of having his son Frank present at the event year after year. “He’s sat over in the corner,” Fleetwood explained, describing his son’s presence during the tournament week. “We have conversations, but Frank is very set on what he’s doing. He’s very excited and he knows what he’s doing.”
Making Masters Week a Family Celebration
What makes the Masters experience particularly meaningful for Fleetwood is the unique opportunity to combine two of life’s greatest passions: professional golf and family. The tournament includes the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, held on Wednesday, which creates a special backdrop for family moments before the main event begins.
“I always say, it’s one of the most special things about the Masters, is for us as players, to have something so big in your career, like playing the Masters or even trying to win the Masters, having something so unique as something that’s so special for the family, right before it on a Wednesday,” Fleetwood said. “I just think is amazing. I think it’s one of the most special things about the week.”
A Decade of Shared Memories
The significance of this tradition becomes even clearer when examining the timeline of Fleetwood’s Masters participation. This marks his 10th appearance at Augusta National, and remarkably, Frank has attended every single tournament except the first one, which took place before his son was born.
“We talk about it all the time,” Fleetwood reflected. “I just love the fact that we spoke, this is my 10th Masters, and except for the first one where he wasn’t born yet, he’s been at every one. So it’s kind of like, if you’re lucky enough to do what I have, there’s a lot of players just in his 20th. There’s so many players here that have played so many Masters, but Frankie’s grown up. Every year you see him get that little bit older at the Masters.”
The personal stakes of this tradition have also created an interesting dynamic. Fleetwood humorously acknowledged the pressure that comes with maintaining this family continuity. “I think more than anything, the pressure’s on me to keep making the Masters until he actually reaches the green on the 9th,” he said, suggesting that continuing to qualify for the tournament remains a priority so Frank can experience the course as he grows older.
For Fleetwood, this perspective perfectly captures what distinguishes the Masters from every other tournament. It’s not merely about competition or championship aspirations—it’s about creating lasting memories and sharing one of golf’s most hallowed traditions with those closest to him.
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