Matt Fitzpatrick explained that his caddie echoed the motivational phrasing famously used by Rory McIlroy’s caddie during the 2025 Grand Slam, a tactic that helped the Englishman clinch a dramatic play‑off win at the RBC Heritage on Sunday. The final round at Harbour Town Golf Links was a roller‑coaster for Fitzpatrick.
After building a four‑shot cushion, a late bogey on the 18th dropped him to a one‑under 70, forcing a sudden‑death showdown with world number one Scottie Scheffler. Undeterred, Fitzpatrick launched his first extra‑hole tee shot within 12 feet of the pin and sank a decisive birdie putt, securing his fourth PGA Tour title and his second victory in as many starts. The scenario echoed McIlroy’s own experience at Augusta last April, when the Northern Irish star stumbled on the final day but rallied in a play‑off against Justin Rose to complete his career Grand Slam.
Fitzpatrick said his caddie, Daniel Parratt, delivered a line that mirrored what Harry Diamond told McIlroy during that Masters triumph. "He actually said, ‘getting to the tee, we’d have taken this start of the week,’" Fitzpatrick recalled. "I knew Rory had said that the other week, so I joked, ‘Oh, here’s Harry Diamond.’ We had a good laugh, but it put me in a great mindset, and the four‑iron I hit felt out of this world." Going into the final day, Fitzpatrick held a three‑shot lead and was briefly four clear.
However, a late stumble and two consecutive birdies by Scheffler erased the margin, sending the tournament into its fourth play‑off in five years. After the win, Fitzpatrick praised his resilience: "It took a lot of grit.
I started strong, missed a three‑putt on the second hole and thought about what could have been, but I would have taken it before I teed off again. I knew Scottie was going to make birdies down the stretch, so I just had to hang on." He added a personal note about the tournament’s significance: "This is a event I wanted to win growing up, arguably more than any major before I truly understood the game.
To win it twice means the world to me. To go toe‑to‑toe with Scottie and finish on the 73rd hole is special." During the play‑off, the crowd’s energy was unmistakable. American Ryder Cup fans in the gallery cheered loudly for Scheffler, prompting Fitzpatrick to make a light‑hearted jab. After sealing the victory, he cupped his hand to his ear at the 18th green, acknowledging the fans.
When asked if the American chants felt odd, he responded, "No. Americans are incredibly patriotic and I thought that was amazing. The only issue is they have short memories because we won in October." Fitzpatrick emphasized that the vocal support never crossed a line: "No one shouted during backswing, which was great.
I love the atmosphere. I grew up watching football, and I’m paid a lot to play in front of crowds. Hearing them chant each week is a fantastic feeling.
But there’s no better feeling than winning against your biggest rival with that energy behind you. It was loud, but it never got out of hand." Scheffler, for his part, praised the crowd as well: "It’s nice always to get some support from the crowd. I thought they were pretty cordial, cheering for me without trying to drown out Fitz.
I’m definitely appreciative of that." Scheffler posted a four‑birdie, bogey‑free 67 to finish at 18 under, matching Fitzpatrick’s total, but ultimately fell short. This marked his second consecutive runner‑up finish on the PGA Tour, following a close second to McIlroy at the Masters the week before.
Scheffler reflected on his performance: "I did some solid stuff. I only had one bogey over the weekend, so I executed a lot of good golf.
I would have liked a few more putts to drop, but overall I played the way I wanted. Both weeks I was behind the eight‑ball at the halfway point, then had great Saturdays and Sundays to get into contention. On Sunday, it’s a shot here or there that makes the difference.
Fitzpatrick earned the win; he played great golf." The RBC Heritage concluded with Fitzpatrick’s jubilant celebration and a reminder that 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 look to repeat. Sky Sports will broadcast live coverage throughout the week, beginning Thursday at 1 p.m. with full coverage from 8 p.m., and viewers can stream the action without a contract.