Pep Guardiola’s passion for golf surpasses his interest in football, often engaging in discussions about his swing rather than the sport itself. The Manchester City manager has developed a close friendship with professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood on and off the golf course.
During a game in April 2018 with Fleetwood, Guardiola clinched his first title as Manchester United suffered a defeat. Despite their shared love for sports, the duo prefers chatting about their respective games, with Fleetwood humorously lamenting Guardiola’s reluctance to divulge Premier League secrets.
Expressing his frustration, Fleetwood mentioned, “I constantly ask him questions, but he’s always engrossed in perfecting his golf swing rather than sharing insights about football.” Despite Guardiola being hailed as one of the greatest managers, Fleetwood jokingly revealed the lack of reciprocal advice exchange, as both are preoccupied with their own interests.
Guardiola’s dedication to golf extends beyond casual conversations, with his enthusiasm evident during his attendance at the 2012 Ryder Cup and the BMW PGA event at Wentworth. Fleetwood acknowledged learning valuable lessons from Guardiola’s coaching and managerial style, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, routines, and holistic training approaches that can be applied to golf.
Describing Guardiola as a perfectionist, Fleetwood highlighted his relentless pursuit of improvement in golf, mirroring his approach to coaching. Notably, their banter often revolves around golf, showcasing Guardiola’s unwavering focus on enhancing his game.
In the world of golf, various players align themselves with football clubs, such as Rory McIlroy supporting Manchester United, Justin Rose endorsing Chelsea, and Ian Poulter being an avid Arsenal fan. When quizzed about the biggest football enthusiast among golfers, Fleetwood mentioned the presence of Liverpool supporters like Ludwig Aberg and the engaging discussions they share about the club’s progress.
The intersection of sports fandom is evident as personalities from different domains bond over their mutual love for football clubs and golfing pursuits.