When you see Tommy Fleetwood striding down the fairway, there’s one unmistakable figure towering over him–his caddie and close friend, Ian Finnis.
Their story isn’t just about golf; it’s woven from friendship, loyalty, shared drives, and a life-altering health challenge that only deepened their bond.
Here are five facts you should know about Fleetwood’s right-hand man.
1. Lifelong Friends Turned Professional Duo
GettyTommy Fleetwood of England and caddie Ian Finnis react to a putt on the 17th hole during the final round of the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 22.
Before they were one of golf’s most recognizable player-caddie teams, Finnis and Fleetwood were just two golf-obsessed teenagers growing up in northwest England. They first crossed paths on the local amateur circuit, particularly at Formby Hall, where Finnis worked as an assistant pro and Fleetwood trained. Over the years, a deep friendship grew–fueled by golf, shared values, and a mutual love for Everton Football Club.
In 2016, with Fleetwood’s career at a crossroads and plagued by missed cuts, he made the pivotal decision to bring Finnis on full-time as his caddie. The move reignited his form almost immediately. Since then, the duo has racked up six wins on the DP World Tour, several top-10 finishes in majors, and represented Team Europe at multiple Ryder Cups. Their shared history gives them a unique edge–when things get tense, they can rely on years of trust and communication.
2. Finnis Is One of the Tallest Caddies on Tour at 6′7″ & Is Known for His Humor and Banter
GettyIan Finnis, caddie of Tommy Fleetwood of England, looks on from the first green during the third round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 17, 2025.
Standing at 6′7″, Finnis is one of the tallest caddies on the PGA Tour—and often mistaken for a player himself. His imposing frame next to Fleetwood’s more compact build has become a familiar sight at tournaments worldwide. But it’s not just his size that stands out; it’s his voice, his humor, and his presence.
Finnis is known for his no-nonsense banter and down-to-earth attitude. Whether he’s joking with players or poking fun at Fleetwood’s haircare habits, Finnis brings a relaxed energy to tense tournament atmospheres. His communication style is part of what makes him so effective under pressure–he knows how to calm Fleetwood down or fire him up with a few well-chosen words. During the 2018 U.S. Open, where Fleetwood shot a final-round 63 to nearly win, it was Finnis’s calm and strategic input that kept his player locked in.
3. He Underwent Emergency Open-Heart Surgery in 2024 After a Dangerous Infection Was Found in His Heart
In early 2024, what began as a lingering chest infection turned into a nightmare. Finnis was diagnosed with endocarditis, a serious bacterial infection that had quietly damaged two of his heart valves. On April 17, he underwent open-heart surgery to replace one valve with a mechanical one and repair the other. It was a life-threatening situation—and one that hit hard across the golfing world.
“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,” Finnis said.
“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.”
For a time, there was uncertainty about whether he would ever return to caddying. But in true Finno fashion, he approached recovery like a competitor: focused, disciplined, and determined. In an emotional Instagram post following surgery, he thanked NHS staff and emphasized how lucky he felt to still be alive. Fleetwood later reflected that seeing his best friend go through something so serious brought their bond–and perspective on life–to a new level.
4. Finnis Made a Remarkable Return to Caddying Just 13 Weeks After Surgery
Defying expectations, Finnis returned to Tour duties just 13 weeks after major heart surgery. In July 2024, he was back on the bag for the Genesis Scottish Open, then again at The Open Championship at Royal Troon—the same venue where the two had reconnected as player and caddie in 2016. The moment was deeply symbolic: a full-circle comeback for one of golf’s most enduring partnerships.
Fleetwood was emotional in describing what it meant to have Finnis back by his side. “It felt like he’d never been away,” he said. The chemistry hadn’t changed. The reads were sharp. The rhythm was intact. With Finnis fully recovered, the duo also set their sights on the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Fleetwood represented Team Great Britain and received a silver medal.
5. He’s Married to Former England Goalkeeper Rachel Brown & Raised Thousands to Support Caddies During COVID
Away from the course, Ian Finnis lives a quiet family life in England with his wife Rachel Brown-Finnis, a former England women’s national team goalkeeper and current football pundit. The couple married in 2013 and have two children. Throughout his career, Finnis has balanced the demands of life on Tour with his responsibilities at home, often crediting his family as the foundation of his strength.
In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought golf to a halt and left many caddies without income, Finnis launched a raffle campaign to support his peers. Offering up signed Ryder Cup gear and other memorabilia, he raised over £10,000 to support out-of-work caddies. That initiative highlighted what those close to him already knew—Finnis isn’t just a great caddie, he’s a leader in the golfing community.
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