BAY HILL, Fla. – Clyde and Helen Sedman traveled halfway across the world to get the signature of their favourite golfer, celebrating their 36th anniversary in style.
Having spent the past 13 years living in Lisbon, Portugal, the British natives reignited their passion for golf with a getaway to the United States and a final stop at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at the Bay Hill Club just west of Orlando, Florida.
With their vacation including stops in Miami, New York and Texas, the Sedmans wanted nothing more than to end their trip with a signature from golfer Tommy Fleetwood. He and Clyde were both born in Southport, England.
“We were hoping to just get to see him,” Clyde said.
As Fleetwood descended the staircase just beyond the practice greens the Sedmans seized their opportunity and asked the PGA’s 14th-ranked golfer for a pair of autographs.
Fleetwood’s stern expression quickly dissolved into a smile as the 28-year-old gladly signed the couples’ notebooks.
Bubba Watson arrived just moments after Fleetwood but Clyde and Helen were far more interested in their fellow Englishman.
“We saw [Watson] coming by after Tommy but he had his headphones in,” Clyde said. “I’m just happy we got Fleetwood though, honestly. That’s why I’m here.”
For Helen, the past week was her first Florida experience.
“We packed quite a bit into our trip but Orlando has been very kind to us,” Helen said. “I think we’ve seen a lot of places but not near enough. I could see us coming back eventually.”
Equipped with Fleetwood’s signature, the couple turned their attention to the nine-hour flight home early Wednesday morning.
“It’s been a great time,” Clyde said. “We’ve met some nice people, seen new places and, and now the long day heading home.”
As the Sedmans return home, the opening round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational is set to tee off Thursday at 6:45 a.m. EST.
Fleetwood is set to begin his opening round at 12:21 p.m. EST with fellow Englishman Danny Willett and American Aaron Wise.