Pep Guardiola’s passion for golf surpasses his interest in football, often engaging in discussions about his golf swing rather than soccer. The Manchester City manager has developed a close friendship with professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood, with whom he enjoys spending time on and off the golf course.
During a round of golf in April 2018, Guardiola clinched his first title following a Manchester United defeat while playing alongside Fleetwood. Despite their shared love for sports, the duo tends to focus on each other’s respective disciplines, with Fleetwood humorously expressing frustration at Guardiola’s reluctance to share Premier League secrets in favor of discussing golf.
Describing Guardiola as the greatest manager ever, Fleetwood jokingly laments the lack of advice he receives from the Spaniard, who prioritizes conversations about golf over soccer-related inquiries. Guardiola’s dedication to golf is evident, as he often steers conversations towards perfecting his golf swing rather than discussing coaching strategies.
While attending the 2012 Ryder Cup and watching Fleetwood at the BMW PGA, Guardiola’s coaching philosophies and professional approach have left a lasting impression on Fleetwood. The golfer acknowledges learning valuable lessons from Guardiola’s coaching methods, including the importance of routines, practice quality, and overall professionalism in various aspects such as diet, sleep, and training.
Fleetwood praises Guardiola’s relentless pursuit of perfection in golf, noting that the manager’s continuous quest for improvement sets him apart. Despite Guardiola’s strong golf skills, Fleetwood highlights his tendency to always seek further enhancements rather than settling for current achievements.
In the world of golf, numerous players also show support for football teams, with Rory McIlroy favoring Manchester United, Justin Rose endorsing Chelsea, and Ian Poulter being a dedicated Arsenal fan. When asked about the most fervent football supporter, Fleetwood, an Everton fan, considers various Liverpool enthusiasts, singling out Ludwig Aberg as a passionate Liverpool supporter with whom he enjoys discussing football matters.