Fitzpatrick Credits Caddie's McIlroy-Inspired Advice for Play-Off Victory

Matt Fitzpatrick has revealed that his caddie's words of encouragement, similar to those used by Rory McIlroy's caddie during his Grand Slam win, helped him secure a dramatic play-off victory at the RBC Heritage. Fitzpatrick had let a four-shot lead slip away during the final round, but his caddie's advice helped him regain his focus and ultimately claim his fourth PGA Tour title. The Englishman fired an impressive approach shot on the first play-off hole, setting up a winning birdie. Fitzpatrick's caddie, Daniel Parratt, had told him, 'we'd have taken this start of the week,' which was similar to what McIlroy's caddie, Harry Diamond, had said during his Masters win. Fitzpatrick joked that his caddie was channeling Diamond, and the advice seemed to work, as he went on to win the tournament. The victory was Fitzpatrick's second in as many starts, and he credited his grit and determination for the win. He had taken a three-shot lead into the final day, but a late stumble forced a play-off against world No 1 Scottie Scheffler. Despite Scheffler's strong finish, Fitzpatrick held on to win, and he was thrilled to have won the tournament for the second time. Scheffler, on the other hand, was left to ponder what could have been, having come back from 12 behind at the halfway stage to finish runner-up for the second successive week on the PGA Tour.