Matt Fitzpatrick opened up about the pivotal role his caddie played in his dramatic victory at the RBC Heritage, noting that the encouragement he received echoed the famous words that spurred Rory McIlroy to his 2025 Grand Slam triumph. Fitzpatrick entered the final round at Harbour Town Golf Links with a comfortable four‑stroke cushion, but a late‑night bogey on the 18th reduced his total to one‑under 70, forcing a sudden‑death playoff against world number one Scottie Scheffler. On the first extra hole, Fitzpatrick launched an aggressive approach shot that landed just 12 feet from the pin. A composed putt later, he sank the birdie to claim his fourth PGA Tour title and his second win in as many starts.
The Englishman explained that his caddie, Daniel Parratt, had deliberately quoted a line McIlroy had used weeks earlier, saying something along the lines of, “If we’re getting to the tee, we’d have taken this start of the week.” Fitzpatrick laughed, replying, “I was like, ‘Oh, there’s Harry Diamond!’ and we had a good chuckle. It put me in a great mindset, and the four‑iron I hit felt otherworldly.” The scenario was reminiscent of McIlroy’s own collapse on the final day of the Masters in April, when a shaky finish led to a playoff against Justin Rose. McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, had offered a similarly timed pep talk that helped the Northern Irish star regain composure and ultimately secure his career Grand Slam. Fitzpatrick drew a direct parallel, saying the encouragement he received after 72 holes mirrored what McIlroy heard from Diamond at Augusta.
Fitzpatrick had built a three‑stroke lead early on Sunday and briefly enjoyed a four‑stroke advantage. However, a mis‑hit on the 16th and a pair of birdies by Scheffler erased his margin, sending the tournament into its fifth playoff in five years. Throughout the tension‑filled finish, Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of grit and mental resilience.
“I started well, but a three‑putt on the second hole could have haunted me. I knew Scottie was going to make a run, so I just had to hang on,” he said. Winning the Heritage holds special significance for Fitzpatrick. “Growing up, this tournament meant more to me than any major before I truly understood the game.
To win it twice is huge. To go head‑to‑head with Scottie and clinch it on the 73rd hole feels extraordinary.” The gallery added its own flavor to the drama.
As the playoff unfolded, many American spectators began chanting traditional Ryder Cup chants, cheering loudly for Scheffler. Fitzpatrick took the moment in stride, noting, “Americans are incredibly patriotic and it was amazing to hear them.
The only funny thing is their memory is short—they forgot we won in October.” He added that the vocal support never crossed the line into distraction. “No one shouted during backswing; it was just enthusiastic, which I love. I grew up watching football, and I’m paid a lot to perform in front of crowds. Their chants are a great feeling, but there’s nothing like winning against that energy.” After the decisive putt, Fitzpatrick celebrated by cupping his hand to his ear, a gesture that drew cheers from the 18th‑green crowd.
He later reflected on the atmosphere, saying, “The fans motivated me. It wasn’t over‑the‑top, just loud, and that energy helped me stay focused.” Scheffler, for his part, praised the spectators, noting, “It’s nice to get support from the crowd. They were courteous, cheering for me without trying to drown out Fitz.” He also highlighted his own strong performance: a bogey‑free 67 that featured four birdies, leaving him at 18 under par, just one stroke behind Fitzpatrick.
This marked Scheffler’s 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 weekend, saying, “I played solid golf, only one bogey over the two days. I wish a few more putts had dropped, but overall I executed my game plan.
Both weeks I was behind at the halfway point, then turned it around with strong Saturdays and Sundays. On Sunday, a single shot can make the difference, and Fitzzy made the key shots when he needed them.” Looking ahead, the PGA Tour will shift to Louisiana for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a two‑man team event at TPC Louisiana. Defending champions Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin will return to defend their title, while the rest of the field prepares for another weekend of high‑stakes competition. Golf fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, with early coverage beginning Thursday at 1 p.m.
and full coverage from 8 p.m., or stream the tournament without a contract through the network’s streaming platform. The RBC Heritage victory not only adds another trophy to Fitzpatrick’s growing résumé but also underscores the subtle yet powerful influence a caddie can have.
By borrowing a phrase that had previously inspired a Grand Slam champion, Daniel Parratt helped his player maintain composure, execute a clutch shot, and ultimately prevail in a high‑pressure playoff. The episode serves as a reminder that in golf, success often hinges on a blend of technical skill, mental fortitude, and the right words at the right moment.