Golf Apr 28, 2026

Zurich Classic of New Orleans: Matt Fitzpatrick and brother Alex hold on for historic victory

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Zurich Classic of New Orleans: Matt Fitzpatrick and brother Alex hold on for historic victory

Matt Fitzpatrick and his younger brother Alex overcame a nervy back nine to clinch a historic victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, one which earns the latter a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

The Fitzpatricks became the first brothers to win on the PGA Tour as they birdied the 18th to secure a one-stroke victory in dramatic fashion, Matt's third of 2026.

The world No 3 has enjoyed a stellar few months which has seen him edged out in a play-off at The Players Championship, before wins at the Valspar and RBC Heritage either side of a top-20 finish at The Masters.

Matt Fitzpatrick's latest success means he is the first Englishman to win three or more times in a year on the PGA Tour and takes him top of the 2026 FedExCup standings.

Alex Fitzpatrick has also been in excellent form of late, winning his maiden DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in March.

With his and his brother's victory at the Zurich Classic, the 27-year-old immediately receives a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour through 2028, along with entries into the next four signature events, 2026 PGA Championship and the 2027 Players Championship.

"It won't sink in yet. It's as good as it gets," Alex Fitzpatrick told Your Site' Rich Beem. "It's amazing to be here with him [Matt], mum and dad. A lot of hard work; I can't believe we've done it."

The siblings actually somewhat stumbled over the finishing line on Sunday. Having posted a tournament-record four-ball score of 57 the day prior, they looked to be cruising to victory at three under through the first 11 holes of the final foursomes - until double-bogeying the 12th.

Another bogey followed at 14, before Matt Fitzpatrick somewhat stopped the rot by holing a crucial par putt at 15.

American pair Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, as well as Norwegians Kristoffer Reitan and Kris Ventura had set the clubhouse target at 30 under, with the Fitzpatricks needing a birdie at the 18th to take the title.

Alex hit a poor second shot into the bunker, but Matt's chip out was a stunning effort to about two feet to set up their victory.

"It was a struggle," Matt Fitzpatrick said. "I was doing absolutely zero to help him [Alex]. Apart from the putt on 15, I wasn't really providing much support.

"He was fantastic on that back nine. As he was yesterday as well.

"I said 'just give us a chance at the last', and to hit a bunker shot like that, it was nice to give him an easy tap in there."

Tags:

golf news

Share this article

Related Posts

Bolton bids to host 2035 Ryder Cup as Tommy Fleetwood offers backing to landmark tournament

Bolton bids to host 2035 Ryder Cup as Tommy Fleetwood offers backing to landmark tournament

Tommy Fleetwood has backed Bolton in their bid to host the Ryder Cup and says he will support the town in every way he can. Greater Manchester Mayor A...

Valspar Championship: England's Matt Fitzpatrick bounces back from The Players near miss to claim first PGA Tour title since 2023

Valspar Championship: England's Matt Fitzpatrick bounces back from The Players near miss to claim first PGA Tour title since 2023

Matt Fitzpatrick bounced back from his final-hole disappointment at last week's Players Championship to birdie the last and win the Valspar Championsh...

The Players: Ludvig Ã…berg rues blowing big lead after late spiral at TPC Sawgrass as Matt Fitzpatrick takes positives from charge

The Players: Ludvig Ã…berg rues blowing big lead after late spiral at TPC Sawgrass as Matt Fitzpatrick takes positives from charge

Ludvig Ã…berg admits nerves impacted his game as he blew a three-shot lead to surrender his grip on The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass on Sunday....

LPGA Tour: Nelly Korda comeback in vain as Hyo-Joo Kim holds on to win Fortinet Founders Cup in California

LPGA Tour: Nelly Korda comeback in vain as Hyo-Joo Kim holds on to win Fortinet Founders Cup in California

Hyo-Joo Kim held off the challenge of world No 2 Nelly Korda to clinch her eighth LPGA Tour title with a one-shot victory at the Fortinet Founders Cup...

The Players: How the PGA Tour's flagship event delivered again at TPC Sawgrass as Cameron Young wins Sunday that 'had everything'

The Players: How the PGA Tour's flagship event delivered again at TPC Sawgrass as Cameron Young wins Sunday that 'had everything'

What a fabulous Players Championship we enjoyed last week at TPC Sawgrass.It had drama, atmosphere and excitement with thrills and spills from beginni...

The Players: Why Rory McIlroy's poor title defence leaves questions over PGA Tour form and schedule ahead of The Masters

The Players: Why Rory McIlroy's poor title defence leaves questions over PGA Tour form and schedule ahead of The Masters

Paul McGinley looks back at a disappointing title defence for Rory McIlroy at The Players and reflects on the work - on and off the course - he may ne...