Matt Fitzpatrick explained that his caddie echoed the motivational phrasing that Rory McIlroy’s own caddie used during the 2025 Grand Slam, and that the familiar encouragement helped the Englishman pull off a dramatic playoff win at the RBC Heritage on Sunday. Fitzpatrick entered the final round at Harbour Town Golf Links with a four‑stroke cushion, but a wayward shot on the last hole turned a comfortable one‑under‑70 round into a tie with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, forcing a sudden‑death showdown.
On the first extra hole, Fitzpatrick unleashed a precise approach that landed within twelve feet of the pin. He then rolled his birdie putt into the cup, securing his fourth PGA Tour title and his second victory in as many starts. The finish echoed a similar scenario that unfolded for McIlroy at Augusta National last April, when the Northern Irish star recovered from a late‑round stumble to beat Justin Rose in a playoff and complete the career Grand Slam. Fitzpatrick said his caddie, Daniel Parratt, quoted the same line that McIlroy’s longtime caddie Harry Diamond had used at the Masters: "We’d have taken this start of the week." "When Dan said that, I immediately thought of Rory’s comment and laughed, ‘Oh, there’s Harry Diamond right there,’" Fitzpatrick recalled.
"We had a good chuckle, but it also put me in a good mindset. Hitting that four‑iron felt almost otherworldly." Fitzpatrick had built a three‑stroke lead heading into the final day and was briefly four strokes clear. However, a late bogey and a pair of birdies by Scheffler erased the margin, sending the tournament into its fourth playoff in five years.
After the win, Fitzpatrick praised his resilience, saying, "It took a lot of grit. I started strong, then had a three‑putt disaster on the second hole, which could have derailed me, but I kept my composure and kept moving forward." He added, "I knew Scottie would make a push with birdies down the stretch, so I had to stay patient. This tournament has been a dream for me since I was a kid—maybe even more than the majors before I truly understood the game.
Winning it twice would mean the world, and to out‑last Scottie on the 73rd hole felt special." During the playoff, the gallery at the 18th green erupted with enthusiastic chants that sounded more like American Ryder Cup songs than typical tournament applause. Fitzpatrick was asked whether the noise felt out of place. "No, I think it’s great," he answered.
"Americans are fiercely patriotic, and it was amazing to hear them sing. The only thing is their memory is short—they forgot we won in October!" He continued, "The crowd actually motivated me.
No one shouted during my backswing, which was respectful, and I love that energy. I grew up watching football, and now I get paid to perform in front of these crowds. Hearing fans chant for you week after week is a fantastic feeling." He emphasized that the support from the spectators added a layer of excitement, but it never crossed the line into distraction. "There’s nothing like winning against your biggest rival in front of a roaring crowd.
It’s not about Scottie or any other player; it’s about the fans giving you that extra push. It was loud, but it stayed within the spirit of the game." Scheffler also expressed gratitude toward the fans, noting, "It’s always nice to get some crowd support.
They cheered for me without trying to drown out Fitzpatrick, and I appreciate that." Scheffler posted a bogey‑free 67 with four birdies, joining Fitzpatrick at 18 under par, but ultimately finished runner‑up for the second consecutive week on the PGA Tour. He had come from twelve strokes behind at the halfway point at the Masters the previous week, finishing second to McIlroy, and his strong finish at the Heritage kept him in contention for a second title in three years. Reflecting on his own performance, Scheffler said, "I played solid golf. I only had one bogey over the weekend, and I executed a lot of shots the way I wanted.
I wish a few more putts had dropped, but overall I was happy with my game. Both weeks I found myself behind the eight‑ball after the first two rounds, then turned it around with great Saturdays and Sundays. On Sunday, a single shot can make all the difference, and whenever Fitzpatrick needed something to happen, he made it happen.
He earned the win and played excellent golf." The PGA Tour now heads to Louisiana for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a two‑man team event at TPC Louisiana, where defending champions Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin will try to retain their title. Sky Sports will broadcast live coverage throughout the week, with early coverage beginning Thursday at 1 p.m. and full coverage from 8 p.m., offering fans the chance to stream the action without a contract.