Guardiola Joins Fleetwood in Abu Dhabi Pro-Am
Manchester City's former manager played alongside the English golfer ahead of the Abu Dhabi Championship.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Golf
Pep Guardiola played in the Pro-Am event ahead of the Abu Dhabi Championship with golfer Tommy Fleetwood. Fleetwood will now turn his focus to the tournament itself.
Why it matters
The appearance highlights a friendship that began on a golf course in 2018 and continues to draw attention to the sport's crossover with football. It also places the spotlight on Fleetwood as he seeks to build on his Abu Dhabi record.
Fleetwood, 35, is a two-time Abu Dhabi Championship winner, taking the title in 2017 and 2018. He lost a play-off to Aaron Rai at Yas Links last year, according to the available record.
The players
Pep Guardiola
Former Manchester City manager who won multiple Premier League titles with the club, including five after his first.
Tommy Fleetwood
English professional golfer and two-time Abu Dhabi Championship winner.
Aaron Rai
English professional golfer who beat Fleetwood in a play-off at Yas Links last year.
The details
Guardiola joined Fleetwood in the Pro-Am ahead of the Abu Dhabi Championship. Their friendship dates to 2018, when Fleetwood was invited to Sandiway Golf Club in Cheshire to celebrate Manchester City's first Premier League title under Guardiola.
Timeline
2018: Guardiola and Fleetwood's golf friendship begins at Sandiway Golf Club.
2017 and 2018: Fleetwood wins back-to-back Abu Dhabi Championship titles.
Last year: Fleetwood loses a play-off to Aaron Rai at Yas Links.
November 4, 2026: Pro-Am appearance is reported.
Season Trajectory
Fleetwood's two Abu Dhabi titles and last year's play-off defeat frame this week as a chance to add to an established record at the event. The appearance of a high-profile football figure in the Pro-Am also underlines the sport's wider cultural reach beyond the tour.
The Abu Dhabi Championship field is set with Fleetwood among the returning contenders, giving golf followers a familiar storyline to track. Viewers who follow the event can expect the Pro-Am pairing to be a talking point as the tournament begins.
The takeaway
Partnerships formed away from competition, like Guardiola and Fleetwood's, can carry over into professional settings and keep an event in the public eye. Tracking a player's history at a single venue can reveal how much a familiar course rewards repeat success.
Further reading
Explore more on Golf for tournament previews and player profiles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Khaleej Times.
