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 words helped him summon the composure needed to clinch a dramatic playoff win at the RBC Heritage on Sunday. Fitzpatrick entered the final round at Harbour Town Golf Links with a comfortable four‑stroke lead, but a wayward tee shot on the 18th and a resulting bogey dropped his total to one‑under 70, forcing a sudden‑death showdown with world number one Scottie Scheffler.
On the first extra hole, Fitzpatrick’s tee shot landed within 12 feet of the pin. He calmly rolled the ball into the cup, securing his fourth PGA Tour title and his second victory in as many starts. The finish echoed a similar scenario McIlroy experienced a few months earlier at Augusta National, where a late‑round stumble was overcome by a playoff birdie that completed the career Grand Slam.
Fitzpatrick said his caddie, Daniel Parratt, quoted the exact line McIlroy had heard from his own caddie, Harry Diamond, during that Masters triumph. "He actually said, ‘getting to the tee, we’d have taken this start of the week,’" Fitzpatrick recalled after the win. "I knew Rory had said that the other week, so I joked, ‘Oh, here’s Harry Diamond.’ We had a good laugh, but the comment stuck. It reminded me that I was in a great position, and the four‑iron I hit felt extraordinary." Fitzpatrick had carried a three‑shot lead into the final day and was briefly up by four.
However, a late‑round wobble – a three‑putt on the 16th and a bogey on the 18th – combined with two consecutive birdies by Scheffler to erase the margin and force the playoff, marking the fourth time in five years that the Heritage has been decided on extra holes. When asked about the atmosphere, Fitzpatrick praised the crowd’s energy. He noted that many American spectators began chanting familiar Ryder Cup refrains as the two competitors battled, a display of patriotic enthusiasm that he found "amazing".
He added a light‑hearted jab about the fans’ short memories, noting that the Englishman’s own victory in October had already been forgotten by some. "No, it wasn’t strange at all. Americans are incredibly patriotic and it was great to hear those chants," Fitzpatrick said. "The only issue is they have shorter memories because we won in October." He emphasized that the noise never crossed the line into distraction.
"No one shouted during backswing, which was perfect. I love the atmosphere – I grew up watching football, and now I get paid to play in front of crowds that cheer for both players.
There’s nothing better than winning when the crowd is that loud and supportive." Scheffler, for his part, expressed appreciation for the fans as well. "It’s always nice to get some support from the crowd," he said. "They were courteous, cheering for me without trying to drown out Fitzzy, and I’m grateful for that." Scheffler posted a four‑birdie, bogey‑free 67 to finish at 18 under, matching Fitzpatrick’s score but ultimately taking second place for the second straight week on the PGA Tour.
He had come from 12 strokes behind at the halfway point at the Masters the previous week, finishing runner‑up 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 did some solid stuff. I only had one bogey over the weekend, and I executed most of my shots the way I wanted. I wish a few more putts had dropped, but overall I was happy with my game." Both players acknowledged the thin margin that separates victory from defeat.
Scheffler noted, "In both weeks – the Masters and the Heritage – I found myself behind the eight‑ball going into the weekend, but I managed nice Saturdays and Sundays to get back into contention. On Sunday, it’s a single shot that makes the difference. When Fitzzy needed something, he made it happen.
He definitely earned the win and played great golf." The RBC Heritage victory was especially meaningful for Fitzpatrick, who grew up idolising the tournament. "This is a tournament I wanted to win as a kid, maybe even more than any major before I truly understood the game," he said. "Winning it twice would mean the world to me.
To go toe‑to‑toe with Scottie on the 73rd hole and come out on top is special." Looking ahead, the PGA Tour will move 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. 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. Overall, Fitzpatrick’s win highlighted how a well‑timed, familiar phrase from a caddie can provide the mental edge needed in the most pressure‑filled moments, echoing the same psychological boost that helped McIlroy complete his Grand Slam.
The blend of strategic play, resilient mindset, and supportive crowd created a memorable finish that will be remembered by golf enthusiasts for years to come.