AUGUSTA, Georgia – Tommy Fleetwood said one of his most memorable preparations for this year’s Masters was sharing Augusta National with his two oldest sons, an experience that highlighted how fatherhood now shapes his life in golf.

The English golfer told reporters on Tuesday that a recent visit to Augusta with his sons, Oscar, 19, and Mo, 17, offered a fresh perspective on the prestige and wonder of the course.

“I don’t want to say you forget, because I’m always aware of how special Augusta National is and what a privilege it is just to be playing here,” Fleetwood said.

“But watching the two boys be pretty emotional on the first tee, seeing that firsthand gives you a bit of perspective of just how special it is and how much I appreciate it. That was very cool, and memories that we’ll always have.”

Fatherhood has become central to how Fleetwood views golf and ambition. He said his children are his biggest source of motivation, pushing him to be the best version of himself and to lead by example.

The world number four, still chasing a Masters breakthrough, said he tends to see achievements not as trophies but as moments, and these experiences always include his family. Sharing victories with them, he said, gives success its deepest meaning.

Being a parent also offers a break from the pressures of elite competition. Even when time away from professional golf still involves playing, spending it with his children feels entirely different.

“Being a parent is the best thing in the world. It just is,” he said. “And they all love the game.”

Fleetwood noted that while his sons handled Augusta well, they also experienced the nerves and learning curve that come with a first trip to the storied course. Watching them hit good shots into the wrong places and face demanding putts reminded him how much knowledge matters at Augusta National.

Fleetwood, playing in his 10th Masters and with a best finish of a tie for third in 2024, will be grouped with Patrick Reed and Akshay Bhatia for Thursday’s opening round.

-Reporting by Rory Carroll in Augusta, Georgia; Editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters