Tommy Fleetwood has welcomed back his long-term caddie Ian Finnis ahead of The Open in a heartwarming change to his support team. Fleetwood, who finished joint-10th last year, will be hoping to mount a title challenge at Royal Troon later this month.
He will be joined once again by Finnis, who has returned to Fleetwood’s side just months after undergoing open heart surgery. The 44-year-old is among the most recognisable caddies on tour, partly due to the length of his partnership with Fleetwood in addition to his imposing frame.
Finnis, who stands at six feet and seven inches tall, has been forced to deal with his fair share of health problems over the last few months. He was absent for the Valero Texas Open and the Masters Tournament, with Fleetwood saying at the time that Finnis had been dealing with a prolonged infection.
At the end of April, Finnis revealed that he had undergone open heart surgery and expressed hope that he was on the road to recovery. It is clear that he now feels ready to return to golf after it was confirmed that he will be at Fleetwood’s side for The Open.
Speaking about his health struggles in May, Finnis described himself as ‘very lucky’ and revealed that a bacterial infection saw his condition take a frightening turn for the worse.
“I was very lucky,” Finnis told The Telegraph. “They are not exactly sure what happened but bacteria got into a hole in my heart that I’d lived with previously with no problems and then ate away both valves.
“They opened me up and the amazing surgeon, Mr Generali, fitted a metal valve and by some miracle he fixed the other valve, saving me from getting a tissue one which would have had to be replaced every seven years or so.
“I have to express massive appreciation to Mr Generali and to all the staff at the hospital. You know, the NHS is really incredible. They had me attempting to walk the day after in intensive care. It’s a balance but you need to use your heart to get it better.”
Fleetwood will be delighted to have Finnis back in his corner as he prepares to go for glory at The Open later this month. They have won seven tournaments in their six years working together, while Fleetwood has also cracked the world’s top 10 with Finnis at his side.
“I’ve spoken to him a lot through the whole thing, obviously, and the process went from not knowing what’s wrong to finding out and not believing this is actually happening to worrying about the operation,” added Fleetwood.
“It’s great that the operation was a success and that he’s on the mend. His aim is Scotland but I’ve told him the thing is not to rush. You get wrapped up in what you’re doing out here, but this has told us that health is everything.”
