Golf May 26, 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

The CJ Cup Byron Nelson: Jordan Spieth's birdie blitz not enough as Si Woo Kim leads and Scottie Scheffler keeps pace

The CJ Cup Byron Nelson: Jordan Spieth's birdie blitz not enough as Si Woo Kim leads and Scottie Scheffler keeps pace

Jordan Spieth fired nine birdies to reach 12 under par at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson, while Scottie Scheffler also enjoyed a strong second round, but bot...

LET Golf: Anna Huang makes history as youngest player, aged 17, to win three titles on tour with Lalla Meryem Cup victory

LET Golf: Anna Huang makes history as youngest player, aged 17, to win three titles on tour with Lalla Meryem Cup victory

Anna Huang made history on the Ladies European Tour (LET) on Saturday, becoming the youngest player in the history of the competition to win three eve...

PGA Championship: Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler rue missed opportunities to challenge Aaron Rai's major victory

PGA Championship: Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler rue missed opportunities to challenge Aaron Rai's major victory

Scottie Scheffler admitted his putting performance at the PGA Championship was a ‘bitter pill to swallow’, as he and Rory McIlroy failed to put pressu...

Ryder Cup: Aaron Rai will 'catch up' with European captain Luke Donald in the 'coming days' following PGA Championship win

Ryder Cup: Aaron Rai will 'catch up' with European captain Luke Donald in the 'coming days' following PGA Championship win

Aaron Rai says he is due to "catch up" with Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald in the coming days, as talk continues to mount around his possible inclusion...

The CJ Cup Byron Nelson: Wyndham Clark comes from behind to beat Si Woo Kim and Scottie Scheffler to win fourth PGA Tour event

The CJ Cup Byron Nelson: Wyndham Clark comes from behind to beat Si Woo Kim and Scottie Scheffler to win fourth PGA Tour event

Wyndham Clark came from two shots behind to end a two-year wait to win a PGA Tour event at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson on Sunday, outlasting both Si Woo K...

Who is Aaron Rai? How humble English golfer rose to win the PGA Championship and why he wears two gloves

Who is Aaron Rai? How humble English golfer rose to win the PGA Championship and why he wears two gloves

Aaron Rai became became the first Englishman in 107 years to win the PGA Championship on Sunday, after the 31-year-old climbed to the top of a packed...