Historic Zurich Classic Win for Fitzpatrick Brothers
Matt Fitzpatrick and his brother Alex triumphed at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans, overcoming a tense back nine to clinch a historic victory. This win secured Alex a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, while Matt marked his achievement as the first brother to attain three PGA Tour victories by 2026.
The world No. 3 has demonstrated remarkable form recently, qualifying for the playoffs at The Players Championship, securing titles at the Valspar and RBC Heritage, and finishing in the top 20 at the Masters tournament.
With this latest success, Matt Fitzpatrick has made history as the first British golfer to win more than three times in a single year on the PGA Tour. He currently leads the 2026 FedExCup standings, further establishing his noteworthy presence in professional golf.
Alex Fitzpatrick’s Continued Progress
Meanwhile, Alex Fitzpatrick has also been showcasing his talent, clinching his first DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in March. The victory at the Zurich Classic not only grants him an essential exemption until 2028 but also provides entry into four signature events, including the 2026 PGA Championship and the 2027 Players Championship.
Expressing his excitement, Alex Fitzpatrick reflected on the victory during a post-match interview, emphasizing the emotional weight of the moment and the hard work it took to reach this point, particularly in the company of his brother and parents.
A Close Call and a Dramatic Finish
The Fitzpatrick brothers faced some challenges toward the finish line. After setting a tournament record with a four-ball score of 57 the previous day, they found themselves at 3 under after the first 11 of the final four holes. However, a double bogey on the 12th complicated their path to victory.
Despite a bogey on the 14th, Matt stepped up with a critical par putt on the 15th, which proved vital in fending off competition from American duo Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, as well as the Norwegian team of Christopher Reitan and Chris Ventura. With the championship on the line, the Fitzpatricks needed a birdie on the 18th hole.
Though Alex struggled to land his second shot near the pin, Matt managed to chip it out to within two feet, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion. Reflecting on the tense moments, Matt acknowledged the pressure he felt while playing and praised Alex for his performance, particularly on the back nine.
Understanding the Zurich Classic Format
The Zurich Classic stands out as the only team event on the PGA Tour schedule, showcasing a unique four-ball format during the first and third rounds. In this setup, each golfer plays their own ball, with the lowest score on each hole contributing to the team’s total. The final round shifts to a foursomes format, where teammates alternate shots with a single ball, adding a layer of strategy and teamwork to the competition.
