Matt Fitzpatrick has revealed that his caddie used words of encouragement similar to those used by Rory McIlroy's caddie during his 2025 Grand Slam win, to motivate him to a dramatic playoff victory at the RBC Heritage on Sunday. Fitzpatrick had let a four-shot lead slip away during the final round at Harbour Town Golf Links, but he responded by firing his approach on the first playoff hole to within 12 feet and then sinking a winning birdie putt to claim his fourth PGA Tour title.
Fitzpatrick's caddie, Daniel Parratt, had told him 'we'd have taken this start of the week' before the playoff, echoing the words used by McIlroy's caddie Harry Diamond during his Masters win. Fitzpatrick joked that he felt like he was in a good spot and that the four-iron he hit was 'out of this world'. He had taken a three-shot lead into the final day and was briefly four clear, but a late stumble and back-to-back birdies from Scottie Scheffler forced a playoff. Fitzpatrick held on to win, citing 'a lot of grit' and saying he felt like he was in a good spot.
He also poked fun at American Ryder Cup fans, saying they had short memories, but added that the crowd motivated him to victory. Scheffler hailed the fans at the RBC Heritage, saying they were 'pretty cordial' and that he was appreciative of their support.
Despite finishing runner-up for the second successive week on the PGA Tour, Scheffler said he 'did some solid stuff' and that Fitzpatrick 'earned the win' and 'played great golf'. The PGA Tour heads to Louisiana for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a two-man team event at TPC Louisiana.