Golf Jul 07, 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

Irish Open: Jon Rahm announces return to DP World Tour event at Doonbeg alongside Ryder Cup team-mates

Irish Open: Jon Rahm announces return to DP World Tour event at Doonbeg alongside Ryder Cup team-mates

Jon Rahm has been announced as part of the field for the Irish Open at Doonbeg, live on Your Site Golf from September 10-13.Rahm paid all of his outst...

The Masters: Rory McIlroy returns after Grand Slam glory and with more major history in sight at Augusta National

The Masters: Rory McIlroy returns after Grand Slam glory and with more major history in sight at Augusta National

Given the number of near-misses Rory McIlroy experienced in majors during his 11-year drought, the drama required to climb his golfing Everest at The...

The Masters: Tiger Woods' absence felt at Augusta National as players offer views on former world No 1's struggles

The Masters: Tiger Woods' absence felt at Augusta National as players offer views on former world No 1's struggles

Tiger Woods has dominated pre-tournament headlines despite not featuring at The Masters, with many of those in action at Augusta National offering mix...

Aramco Championship: Lauren Coughlin closes out dominant victory at Shadow Creek as Nelly Korda shares second with Leona Maguire

Aramco Championship: Lauren Coughlin closes out dominant victory at Shadow Creek as Nelly Korda shares second with Leona Maguire

Lauren Coughlin completed a dominant five-shot victory at the Aramco Championship as Ireland's Leona Maguire shared second with Nelly Korda.  After co...

The Masters 2026 - beginner's guide: All you need know ahead of Rory McIlroy's title defence at Augusta National

The Masters 2026 - beginner's guide: All you need know ahead of Rory McIlroy's title defence at Augusta National

Who is playing in The Masters and why is it such an important date in the sporting calendar? Here's our beginner's guide, covering all you need to kno...

Ryder Cup 2027: Jon Rahm confident he can 'work out' deal with DP World Tour to avoid ban and stay eligible for Team Europe

Ryder Cup 2027: Jon Rahm confident he can 'work out' deal with DP World Tour to avoid ban and stay eligible for Team Europe

Jon Rahm insists he is confident of being able to negotiate an agreement with the DP World Tour that would keep him eligible to feature for Europe’s R...