There has been plenty of drama at the Ryder Cup, including Tommy Fleetwood’s caddie Ian Finnis confronting Bryson DeChambeau after a clash broke out between Team Europe and Team USA stars
The Ryder Cup has seen tensions flare between Team Europe and Team USA. A heated second day of the tournament saw Rory McIlroy telling a group of American fans to “Shut the f*** up” after enduring constant heckling, while Shane Lowry had a spectator removed due to their rowdy behaviour.
Europe won three of four foursomes matches to kick off the day. And the drubbing continued as they led all four afternoon four-ball matches, resulting in a lopsided score, with the day ending with Europe ahead 11.5-4.5.
A particularly spiky moment occurred during the fourballs match between Europe’s Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood and the US’ Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler. The British pair were 3 up after 14 holes when DeChambeau’s caddie, Greg Bodine, inadvertently stepped into Rose’s line as he was preparing to putt on the 15th green, which goes against golfing etiquette.
Rose, clearly irritated, halted his preparation to say something along the lines of: “It’s my putt, right?” He then dismissed DeChambeau’s caddie and sank his eighth putt of the day in ice cold fashion.
DeChambeau’s celebration was muted after he made his birdie to tie the hole. He seemed to take issue with Rose’s comment or tone, leading to a heated discussion between the two.
READ MORE: Tommy Fleetwood made wife Clare’s thoughts clear on WAG title after commentator’s quipREAD MORE: Ryder Cup chaos sees heated Bryson DeChambeau and Tommy Fleetwood clash before caddie’s shove
Cameras followed the players to the 16th tee, where an animated DeChambeau continued to argue with the English pair. Fleetwood’s caddie, Ian Finnis, then intervened to defuse the situation.
Acting as the peacemaker, the Liverpudlian could be heard telling DeChambeau and Bodine: “Let’s all just chill. Let’s play. He can take as long as he wants.”
Finnis’ no-nonsense approach caught the attention of fans online, who were left impressed by his calmness and authority during the tense moment. And we now take a look at exactly who Fleetwood’s 6ft 7in bagman is ahead of Sunday’s final round.
Who is Tommy Fleetwood’s caddie Ian Finnis?
Finnis is a Liverpool-based ex-golfer with an amateur background. He has been working with Fleetwood since 2016, a time when his fellow Merseysider was struggling with his form.
Finnis and Fleetwood first crossed paths as teenagers competing in amateur tournaments in the north west, both harbouring dreams of turning professional. However, their journeys took different turns as Finnis, despite featuring in several mini-tour competitions, couldn’t make the breakthrough to elite level.
He joined Formby Hall in Southport, where Fleetwood is from, becoming the assistant professional there and continued to help teen and amateur golfers. Along with the club-pro work, he used to caddie for teens.
But his career trajectory shifted when Fleetwood approached Finnis, by then a close friend, to become his new caddie. The duo soon began travelling the world together after Finnis agreed to join the world No. 7’s team on a temporary basis, becoming his permanent right-hand man after helping Fleetwood rediscover his form through his calming presence, club selection and green reading.
Fleetwood has achieved success alongside Finnis, winning the January 2017 Race to Dubai crown, with the golfer offering glowing tribute by describing it as “having family on the bag.” In 2023, Fleetwood and Finnis achieved a career high when the Englishman delivered the decisive moment that secured Team Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph at Marco Simone.
After several high-profile second-place finishes and Fleetwood recording more than five top-10s and eight top-25s, the pair won the TOUR Championship and FedExCup in August, marking their greatest achievement together.
Why did Ian Finnis miss the 2024 Masters?
At the 2024 Masters, Fleetwood was forced into a late caddie change after Finnis was unable to travel and said he “has not been well all year.” In an Instagram post, Finnis revealed the reason behind his absence.
He wrote: “Open heart surgery done! Massive thanks to all the NHS staff. The road to recovery has started. Thanks for all the love.” Fleetwood turned to local caddie Grey Moore, the former caddie master at Augusta National with 30 years’ experience, to assist him at the tournament.
Who is Ian Finnis’ famous wife?
Finnis is married to Rachel Brown-Finnis, a Burnley native who served as goalkeeper for England’s Lionesses from 1997 to 2013, earning 82 international appearances.
Her playing career featured stints at Liverpool and Everton, while also representing Team GB during the London 2012 Olympics. After tying the knot with Finnis in 2013, she hung up her boots in January 2015 and transitioned into a football pundit for BT Sport and BBC Sport. The couple share three children: Zara, Freddy and Zak.
Watch the Ryder Cup with discounted Sky Sports package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the Ryder Cup, saving members £336 and offering all three days of the 2025 competition live with extended coverage.
