Tommy Fleetwood’s caddie reveals what put him in intensive care ahead of reunion with golfer

Tommy Fleetwood’s long-time caddie, Ian Finnis, has disclosed the serious health issue that led to his hospitalization before the 2024 Masters Tournament. After months of battling an unrelenting virus, doctors discovered bacteria had entered a pre-existing hole in Finnis’ heart, severely damaging both valves.

Finnis, who feels “very lucky” to be alive, explained, “The doctors 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.” He underwent surgery where an “amazing” surgeon, Mr. Generali, replaced one valve with a metal one and miraculously repaired the other, sparing Finnis from needing a tissue valve that would require periodic replacement.

During Finnis’ recovery, Fleetwood enlisted Augusta National caddie Gray Moore for the Masters, giving Moore the best payday of his career. Following that, David Clark, now caddie for Ian Poulter in the LIV Golf League, stepped in temporarily. Finnis will reunite with Fleetwood at the Genesis Scottish Open, the penultimate event before the year’s final major at Royal Troon.

Fleetwood expressed his relief and support for Finnis throughout his ordeal. “I’ve spoken to him a lot through the whole thing, obviously,” said Fleetwood, who recently dined with Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica. “The process went from not knowing what’s wrong to finding out and not believing this is actually happening, to worrying about the operation.”

Fleetwood made it clear to Finnis not to rush his recovery. Their partnership, which began in 2016, has seen them achieve seven global victories and Ryder Cup success. Despite this, Fleetwood is still chasing his first PGA Tour win and a major championship.

As the Scottish Open approaches, Finnis is eager to return to his duties, praising the NHS for their incredible care and the surgeon who saved his life. “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,” he said.

Looking ahead to The Open, Scottie Scheffler is the favorite to secure his third major title. Other top contenders include Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Ludvig Aberg, Collin Morikawa, and Viktor Hovland, all ahead of Fleetwood in the bookmakers’ odds.