Matt Fitzpatrick disclosed that his caddie echoed the motivational phrasing famously used by Rory McIlroy during the 2025 Grand Slam, a tactic that 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 comfortable four‑stroke cushion, but a late‑stage bogey on the 18th hole dropped his score to one‑under 70, forcing a sudden‑death showdown with world number one Scottie Scheffler.
On the first extra hole, Fitzpatrick unleashed a precise approach shot that settled just 12 feet from the pin. He then calmly rolled in a birdie putt to secure his fourth PGA Tour title and his second victory in as many starts.
The finish echoed a similar scenario that McIlroy experienced at the Masters in April, when a stumble on the final round led to a playoff against Justin Rose. McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, offered the same kind of encouragement that Fitzpatrick later received from his own caddie, Daniel Parratt.
"When we got to the tee, Dan said, ‘We’d have taken this start of the week,’" Fitzpatrick recounted, laughing. "I immediately thought of Rory’s comment the other week and joked, ‘Oh, look, Harry Diamond is here.’ It was a good laugh, but it also put me in a positive mindset.
I felt the four‑iron I hit was extraordinary – it was almost out of this world." Fitzpatrick had built a three‑shot lead heading into the final day and was briefly four strokes clear. However, a mis‑hit on the 15th and a string of birdies from Scheffler erased the margin, sending the tournament into its fourth playoff in five years. The Englishman described the experience as a test of grit. "I started strong, but a three‑putt on the second hole cost me dearly," he said.
"I could have taken the lead before I even teed off, but I knew Scottie would be making birdies down the stretch, so I had to stay patient and keep fighting." Fitzpatrick added that the RBC Heritage held a special place in his heart, saying it was a tournament he dreamed of winning as a child, perhaps even more than the majors before he fully understood the sport. "Winning it twice would mean the world to me.
To go head‑to‑head with Scottie on the 73rd hole and come out on top is something I’ll never forget," he explained. The gallery at Harbour Town added its own flavor to the drama. As the playoff unfolded, many American Ryder Cup fans cheered loudly for Scheffler, prompting Fitzpatrick to make a light‑hearted jab.
"Americans are incredibly patriotic, and I thought that was amazing," he said with a grin. "The only downside is their memory is short – we won in October, and they’re already chanting for the next thing." Despite the banter, Fitzpatrick praised the crowd for its energy. He noted that the spectators were respectful, refraining from shouting during backswing moments, which allowed him to focus.
"I love the atmosphere. I grew up watching football, and now I get paid to perform in front of these crowds. Hearing them chant every week is a fantastic feeling," he said.
"But there’s nothing like winning when the crowd is on the other side of you. It felt like beating my biggest rival in an away match.
The noise was loud, but it never crossed the line into distraction." Scheffler, for his part, expressed gratitude toward the fans as well. "It’s always nice to get support from the crowd," he said. "They were cordial, cheering for me without trying to drown out Fitzpatrick, and I really appreciate that." Scheffler posted a flawless, bogey‑free 67, featuring four birdies, to finish at 18 under par alongside Fitzpatrick.
However, the four‑time major champion settled for runner‑up for the second consecutive week on the PGA Tour, after finishing second to McIlroy at the Masters just a week earlier. Scheffler reflected on his own performance, noting he had only one bogey over the weekend and felt he executed his game plan well. "I’d like a few more putts to drop, but overall I was happy with how I played," Scheffler said.
"Both weeks I felt I was behind the eight‑ball going into the weekend, then had strong Saturdays and Sundays to get back into contention. On Sunday, it’s often a single shot that makes the difference, and Fitzzy (Fitzpatrick) made the right ones when it mattered. He earned the win and played great golf." The RBC Heritage victory sets the stage for the next PGA Tour stop in Louisiana, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a two‑man team event at TPC Louisiana. Defending champions Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin will look to repeat their success as the tour continues to travel across the United States.
Fans can follow the Zurich Classic live on Sky Sports, with early coverage beginning Thursday at 1 p.m. and full broadcast from 8 p.m. The network also offers a contract‑free streaming option for golf enthusiasts who prefer to watch online. Overall, Fitzpatrick’s win illustrates how a well‑timed, familiar piece of advice can reignite confidence at the most critical moment.
By channeling the spirit of McIlroy’s own caddie’s encouragement, he turned a potential collapse into a career‑defining triumph, proving that mental resilience and a supportive partnership can be just as decisive as physical skill on the golf course.