Golf May 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

DP World Tour: Mikael Lindberg wins Turkish Airlines Open to qualify for PGA Championship

DP World Tour: Mikael Lindberg wins Turkish Airlines Open to qualify for PGA Championship

Mikael Lindberg secured his maiden DP World Tour title and qualified for the PGA Championship with a two-stroke win at the Turkish Airlines Open.The 3...

The Open: Donald Trump's Turnberry Golf Club misses out on selection as Royal Lytham is named as 2028 venue

The Open: Donald Trump's Turnberry Golf Club misses out on selection as Royal Lytham is named as 2028 venue

Donald Trump's Turnberry Golf Club will not host The Open Championship in the immediate future after Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club was named a...

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

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...

Justin Rose to debut new McLaren Golf clubs at Cadillac Championship in Miami

Justin Rose to debut new McLaren Golf clubs at Cadillac Championship in Miami

Justin Rose does not believe a change of clubs will affect his game as he prepares to debut his new McLaren Golf clubs at the Cadillac Championship in...

Ryder Cup 2027: Scottie Scheffler would consider having  input in Team USA captain selections, as he backs Jim Furyk as a leader

Ryder Cup 2027: Scottie Scheffler would consider having input in Team USA captain selections, as he backs Jim Furyk as a leader

Scottie Scheffler says he would consider having more input on electing future Team USA Ryder Cup captains, should the PGA of America ask him to contri...

Where are the golf majors held? Confirmed future venues for The Open, US Open, PGA Championship and more

Where are the golf majors held? Confirmed future venues for The Open, US Open, PGA Championship and more

Here are all the confirmed venues for the future majors, including The Open, US Open, PGA Championship, AIG Women's Open and more. Augusta National ho...