Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has a strong passion for golf, often prioritizing discussions about his golf swing over football. He has formed a close friendship with professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood, with whom he enjoys spending time both on and off the golf course.
During a round of golf in April 2018, Guardiola secured his first title following a defeat for Manchester United. Despite their shared interest in sports, Guardiola and Fleetwood prefer to engage in conversations about each other’s respective disciplines. Fleetwood humorously mentioned that Guardiola tends to focus more on golf than sharing Premier League secrets when questioned.
Acknowledging Guardiola’s dedication to golf, Fleetwood mentioned, “He’s the greatest manager of all time, but I struggle to get football advice from him as he’s always engrossed in discussing his golf game.” The two friends often banter about their lack of mutual learning in their relationship due to Guardiola’s golf obsession.
Guardiola’s influence extends beyond the football pitch, as Fleetwood has learned valuable lessons from him regarding coaching methods, training routines, and overall professionalism. Fleetwood admires Guardiola’s perfectionist approach and his commitment to constant improvement, qualities that he tries to emulate in his golf game.
Despite Guardiola’s golf-centric focus, Fleetwood praises his golf swing while humorously pointing out his perpetual quest for improvement. In the world of golf, various professional players, like Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Ian Poulter, also showcase their support for football clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal, respectively.
When asked about the most passionate football fan among golfers, Fleetwood mentioned Liverpool supporters like Ludwig Aberg and enjoys discussing football with them. The camaraderie between sports enthusiasts transcends boundaries, fostering engaging conversations and mutual respect across different disciplines.