Tommy Fleetwood has spoken of his immense relief after his wife Clare and their three children made it safely back to Cheshire following a harrowing escape from Dubai amid the ongoing Iran-UAE conflict.
The family of golf's world number three departed on Wednesday. Their timing proved fortunate, with an incident occurring at the airport shortly after their aircraft took off.
Fleetwood said: "They got lucky getting out because they got out on the flight and then something happened at the airport while they were in the air."
The reveal came that whilst competing at The Players Championship in Florida, he carded an opening three-under-par 69.
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Their departure unfolded against a backdrop of escalating violence.
Dubai has been subjected to repeated Iranian drone strikes for nearly a fortnight.
An earlier flight was cancelled before they secured seats on Wednesday's departure.
Hotels and prominent landmarks across the city have sustained damage from debris falling from missiles intercepted over the city.
Tommy Fleetwood has spoken of his immense relief after his wife Clare and their three children made it safely back to Cheshire
|GETTY
Commercial aviation has been largely suspended since hostilities commenced.
Tens of thousands of British nationals have been left stranded and desperately seeking routes home.
The Fleetwoods have called Dubai home for four years, residing at Jumeirah Golf Estates where the 35-year-old runs his golf academy.
Fleetwood acknowledged the strain the situation had placed on his family while expressing gratitude for how authorities handled the crisis.
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The Fleetwoods have called Dubai home for four years
|GETTY
He said: "They felt safe, but it's obviously been difficult not being able to travel. So it is a relief and I think Clare's very relieved.
"It's just not a great time for so many people in the country. It's just unsettling for everyone, really.
"But I must say, the nation and the leaders have done an amazing job of making everybody feel safe and well protected.
"But, you know, you would wish for different circumstances."
Two drones fell in the vicinity of Dubai airport leaving at least four people injured | REUTERSThe golfer was keen to emphasise that his family concerns offered "no excuse" for his disappointing showing in Orlando the previous week.
Despite the off-course distractions, Fleetwood produced an accomplished display at TPC Sawgrass, finishing just two strokes behind the early leaders.
Beginning his round on the back nine, the Englishman made steady progress through his opening six holes before igniting his scorecard in spectacular fashion.
A 30-foot eagle putt on the par-five 16th was followed immediately by a 25-footer for birdie on the treacherous island-green 17th, before an 11-foot birdie conversion on the 18th completed a remarkable four-under stretch across those feared closing holes.
"The conditions were demanding," Fleetwood noted, referencing a 30-minute weather delay caused by storms passing through.
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