Fitzpatrick Credits Caddie's McIlroy-Inspired Advice for Playoff Victory

Matt Fitzpatrick has revealed that his caddie, Daniel Parratt, drew inspiration from Rory McIlroy's 2025 Grand Slam win to motivate him during the RBC Heritage playoff. Fitzpatrick let a four-shot lead slip away in the final round, but Parratt's words of encouragement helped him secure a dramatic playoff victory over world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. Fitzpatrick began the final day with a three-shot lead and was briefly four clear, but a late stumble and back-to-back birdies from Scheffler forced a playoff. The Englishman responded by firing his approach on the first playoff hole to within 12 feet and rolling in a winning birdie putt to clinch his fourth PGA Tour title. Parratt's advice was reminiscent of the words used by McIlroy's caddie, Harry Diamond, during the Masters. Fitzpatrick joked that Parratt was channeling Diamond, saying, 'we'd have taken this start of the week.' The Englishman felt like he was in a good spot and went on to hit an impressive four-iron, which he described as 'out of this world.' Fitzpatrick attributed his win to 'a lot of grit' and said he was aware that Scheffler would make some birdies down the stretch. He added that winning the RBC Heritage was special, especially since it was a tournament he wanted to win growing up. The Englishman also poked fun at American Ryder Cup fans, who cheered heavily in Scheffler's favor during the playoff. Fitzpatrick said that while the atmosphere was intense, it motivated him to victory. He added that the crowd's chants did not cross the line and were 'just loud.' Scheffler also praised the fans, saying they were 'pretty cordial' in their support. The American came back from 12 behind at the halfway stage to finish runner-up, with four birdies in a bogey-free 67. The PGA Tour heads to Louisiana for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a two-man team event at TPC Louisiana. Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin return as defending champions, and the event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.