Golf Apr 27, 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

Tiger Woods at 50: As 15-time major champion celebrates milestone birthday, when will he return to competitive golf?

Tiger Woods at 50: As 15-time major champion celebrates milestone birthday, when will he return to competitive golf?

Tiger Woods is celebrating his 50th birthday – but when will golf fans be toasting the 15-time major champion’s return to competitive action?Woods was...

Ryder Cup 2025: Rory McIlroy on why Shane Lowry was 'more than a bodyguard' during historic win for Team Europe at Bethpage Black

Ryder Cup 2025: Rory McIlroy on why Shane Lowry was 'more than a bodyguard' during historic win for Team Europe at Bethpage Black

Team Europe’s historic Ryder Cup success at Bethpage Black is, for many, remembered for the behaviour by those off the course rather than the performa...

Brooks Koepka quits LIV Golf ahead of 2026 season with Talor Gooch taking over as captain of Smash GC

Brooks Koepka quits LIV Golf ahead of 2026 season with Talor Gooch taking over as captain of Smash GC

Brooks Koepka will no longer compete in LIV Golf so he can prioritise the needs of his family and stay closer to home.The American was one of the Saud...

TGL golf: Billy Horschel finds final-hole eagle as Atlanta Drive GC beat New York Golf Club in season opener

TGL golf: Billy Horschel finds final-hole eagle as Atlanta Drive GC beat New York Golf Club in season opener

Billy Horschel delivered a dramatic final-hole eagle to help Atlanta Drive GC make a winning start to their TGL title defence with a 6-4 victory over...

Rory McIlroy exclusive: Grand Slam glory, winning The Masters and why 2025 was the 'best year' of his golfing career

Rory McIlroy exclusive: Grand Slam glory, winning The Masters and why 2025 was the 'best year' of his golfing career

Rory McIlroy has admitted he feared he may never win The Masters before he completed the career Grand Slam during the 'best year' of his golfing caree...

TGL golf league: Billy Horschel discusses big changes ahead of 2026 season and what fans can look forward to

TGL golf league: Billy Horschel discusses big changes ahead of 2026 season and what fans can look forward to

Billy Horschel believes PGA Tour stars will be able to showcase "how good they are" with exciting new changes to TGL ahead of the new season, live on...