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

 

Finnis was taken to hospital before the 2024 Masters Tournament after months of poor health having not been able to shake a virus. 

 

In his absence, Fleetwood turned to Augusta National caddie Gray Moore and handed the 30-year veteran with the best payday of his entire career.

 

After that excursion Fleetwood hired David Clark - now Ian Poulter's caddie in the LIV Golf League - as Finnis continued his recovery. 

 

Finnis will be back on the bag this week for Fleetwood at the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick.

 

It is the penultimate event before the final men's major of the year next week at Royal Troon. 

 

Finnis told Telegraph Sport he was 'very lucky', adding: "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.

"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.

 

"I have to express massive appreciation to Mr Generali and to all the staff at the hospital. You know, the NHS is really incredible. 

 

"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."

 

As for Fleetwood, he told the publication he has been in constant communication with his looper. 

 

"I've spoken to him a lot through the whole thing, obviously," the 33-year-old said, who had dinner with Rory McIlroy and his wife Erica ahead of his golf comeback following his US Open defeat. 

 

"And 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 said he made it clear to Finnis 'not to rush'. 

 

The popular Englishman will no doubt welcome his return, though. 

 

They have been together since 2016 and have tasted victory worldwide on seven occasions, along with Ryder Cup success. 

 

Fleetwood is yet to win on the PGA Tour and a major championship victory still eludes him.

 

Scottie Scheffler is the overwhelming favourite to clinch his third major at The Open. 

 

Bryson DeChambeau, McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Ludvig Aberg, Collin Morikawa and Viktor Hovland are all favoured by the bookmakers to win the claret jug ahead of Fleetwood.