The Fitzpatricks started the final round at TPC Louisiana holding a commanding four-shot lead after setting a tournament record in Saturday’s fourball format with a 15-under-par 57. However, the final round foursomes proved a far sterner test, as early composure gave way to mounting pressure on the back nine.
A costly double bogey at the 12th hole, followed by a bogey at the 14th, allowed rivals back into contention. Norwegian pair Kristoffer Reitan and Kristoffer Ventura, alongside Americans Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, surged to 30-under-par, setting the clubhouse target and leaving the English brothers needing a birdie at the last to avoid a playoff.
What followed was a moment of brilliance under extreme pressure. With the tournament on the line, Matt Fitzpatrick produced a superb 40-yard bunker shot that settled just 18 inches from the hole, effectively handing younger brother Alex a tap-in for victory.
“I COULDN’T FEEL MY HANDS!”
The 27-year-old calmly converted, before being overcome with emotion as the significance of the achievement sank in. “I couldn’t feel my hands, my legs – anything,” Alex said. “It’s a life-changing moment.”
Besides an equal share of the $2.745m first prize, the win carries major implications for Alex’s career. Already a recent winner of the Hero Indian Open, he had been tracking towards a PGA Tour card via the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai rankings. This victory, however, secures immediate PGA Tour membership through to 2028, along with entry into the PGA Tour’s Signature Events, as well as the PGA Championship.
“It’s surreal,” added Alex. “A few weeks ago I was just trying to secure status somewhere. Now this – it’s hard to believe.”
For Matt, the triumph adds to an already impressive season that includes victory at last week’s RBC Heritage and the Valspar Championship in March. Yet he was quick to deflect praise onto his younger sibling.
“It was a grind,” he admitted. “I didn’t do much to help him today, but Alex was unbelievable, especially coming home. I couldn’t be more proud.”
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