Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick surged into a commanding four‑stroke advantage as they headed into the final day of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, thanks to an astonishing better‑ball third round of 57 – a score that set a new tournament record. Their 15‑under‑par round lifted the English duo to a total of 30 under, propelling them past the previous leaders, Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, who had posted a 61, as well as fellow American partners Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat. The brothers combined for an impressive 13 birdies at TPC Louisiana, with eight of those coming on the back nine alone. Matt also added an eagle on the par‑five seventh hole, further extending their lead.
"Amazing day. Probably not kind of sunk in how well we played today, if I'm honest," Matt said after the round. "It was just hole after hole." Alex praised his younger sibling, noting the rapid improvement in Matt's game.
"He played brilliant golf both last two days," Alex observed, referencing Matt's recent victory at the Indian Open. "His game has really turned a corner these last few months, and I believe in him to continue that trend. He's doing all the right things and obviously it was nice for him to have such a big impact there on the back nine." Should the Fitzpatrick pair capture the title, Matt would notch his fifth PGA Tour victory and become the first player in more than two years to win back‑to‑back events, a feat last achieved by Scottie Scheffler when he won the 2024 Masters and the 2024 RBC Heritage. Alex would secure a two‑year PGA Tour exemption through 2028, along with invitations to the next four signature events, the 2026 PGA Championship and the 2027 Players Championship.
Meanwhile, the previous leaders Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, who had tied the course record with a 58 in better‑ball play on Thursday, posted a 62 on Saturday and fell into a tie for second place with Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat. Doug Ghim and Jeffrey Kang recorded a 61 to move into fourth, five strokes behind the leaders. Zach Bauchou made history with the tournament's first hole‑in‑one since 2024 on the par‑three third hole. He and partner Sam Stevens finished with a 64, eight shots back.
Veteran Billy Horschel, the only player to have won the Zurich Classic both as an individual and in the team format, shot a 64 alongside Tom Hoge, leaving them seven strokes off the lead. The final round on Sunday will shift to an alternate‑shot (foursomes) format, requiring each team to play a single ball and alternate strokes throughout the round. The Zurich Classic remains the sole team‑based event on the PGA Tour schedule, featuring four‑ball play in the first and third rounds and foursomes in the second and final rounds.
After 36 holes, the top 33 teams and any ties advance to the weekend competition. If a tie persists after 72 holes, a sudden‑death playoff will determine the champion. This week carries heightened stakes, as PGA Tour officials have increased the tournament purse from $9.2 million (£6.83 million) to $9.5 million (£7.05 million).
The victorious team will split approximately 14.45 percent of the purse, roughly $1.372 million (£1.02 million) per player. Each winner also earns 400 FedExCup points, though no Official World Golf Ranking points are awarded. Beyond the immediate financial reward, the winning duo will gain entry into several marquee events for the 2027 season, including the Players Championship and the PGA Championship, and will receive a two‑year exemption to return to the Zurich Classic. The Zurich Classic's unique format tests both individual skill and teamwork.
In the four‑ball rounds, each golfer plays his own ball, and the lower score on each hole counts for the team. The subsequent foursomes rounds demand precise coordination, as players must alternate tee shots and share a single ball, with the combined strokes determining the team's score on each hole.
This blend of collaboration and competition creates a dynamic viewing experience and offers players a rare opportunity to showcase synergy on a major tour stage. Fans can follow live coverage through various streaming platforms, and Sky Sports provides additional analysis, podcasts, and updates via its WhatsApp service. The tournament also highlights the growing popularity of team events in professional golf, offering a refreshing contrast to the predominantly individual nature of the sport.
Overall, the Fitzpatrick brothers' record‑setting performance has set the stage for an exciting climax to the Zurich Classic, with a substantial prize, valuable exemptions, and a chance to make history on the PGA Tour.