Tommy Fleetwood says family safe and starts well at Players Championship

Tommy Fleetwood said his family left Dubai and returned to England amid Middle East tensions, and he opened the Players Championship with a 3-under-par 69.

Tommy Fleetwood said his family were able to leave Dubai this week and relocate to England amid tensions in the Middle East. He praised officials in the United Arab Emirates for their response and said his family are safe. Fleetwood, who lives full-time in the UAE, is in Florida playing the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. He opened the tournament with a 3-under-par 69. Reported details: - Fleetwood reported that his wife and children were able to fly from Dubai to England and are safe. - He commended United Arab Emirates officials for their handling of the situation and efforts to keep people secure. - Reuters reported that strikes at Dubai airport disrupted air travel and led to flight cancellations in the region. - Fleetwood shot a 3-under 69 in the first round and stood two shots behind the early leader. Summary: Fleetwood said his family is safe after leaving Dubai and credited UAE authorities for their response. He posted a 3-under 69 at the Players Championship and will continue competing in the event.