Matt Fitzpatrick explained that his caddie echoed the motivational phrasing used by Rory McIlroy’s own caddie during the Irishman’s 2025 Grand Slam victory, and that the familiar words helped spark Fitzpatrick’s dramatic win in a sudden‑death playoff at the RBC Heritage on Sunday. During the final round at Harbour Town Golf Links, Fitzpatrick saw a four‑stroke lead evaporate. A bogey on the 18th hole dropped his score to one‑under 70, forcing a tie with world No.
1 Scottie Scheffler and sending the pair into a playoff. On the first extra hole, Fitzpatrick launched an aggressive approach shot that landed just 12 feet from the pin. He then rolled in a decisive birdie putt, securing his fourth PGA Tour title and his second consecutive victory on the circuit. The scenario reminded many of McIlroy’s own late‑round stumble at Augusta National last April, when the Northern Irishman recovered from a mis‑step to defeat Justin Rose in a playoff and complete the career Grand Slam.
Fitzpatrick said his caddie, Daniel Parratt, delivered a line that McIlroy had heard from his long‑time caddie Harry Diamond during that Masters triumph. "He [Parratt] actually said, ‘Getting to the tee, we’d have taken this start of the week,’" Fitzpatrick recalled after his win.
"I knew Rory had said something similar the other week. I joked, ‘Oh, there’s Harry Diamond right there.’ We had a good laugh, but it put me in a comfortable frame of mind, and the four‑iron I hit felt out of this world." Fitzpatrick entered the final day with a three‑stroke cushion and, at one point, held a four‑stroke advantage.
However, a late‑round falter and two consecutive birdies by Scheffler erased the margin, setting up the first playoff at the Heritage in five years. "Just a lot of grit," Fitzpatrick said of his composure.
"I started strong, but a three‑putt on the second hole could have cost me. I knew Scottie would be making birdies down the stretch, so I had to stay patient." He added that the Heritage had been a tournament he dreamed of winning since childhood, perhaps even more than any major before he truly understood the game.
"Winning it twice would mean the world to me. To go toe‑to‑toe with Scottie on the 73rd and come out on top is special." During the playoff, Fitzpatrick also teased the American Ryder Cup fans who were cheering loudly for Scheffler.
After the decisive birdie, he cupped his hand to his ear in celebration, acknowledging the enthusiastic crowd. When asked whether the American chants felt odd, Fitzpatrick replied, "No, Americans are incredibly patriotic and it was amazing. The only thing is their memory is short – we won in October, and they’re already chanting for the next event." He noted that the crowd’s energy never crossed a line; there was no shouting during backswing, and the atmosphere remained respectful. "I love the fans.
They’re supporting Scottie, which is fine. Golf needs atmosphere.
I grew up watching football, and now I get paid to play in front of crowds. Hearing them chant each week is a great feeling.
But there’s nothing like winning against your biggest rival with that crowd behind you. It was loud, but never over the top." Scheffler, for his part, praised the supporters, saying, "It’s always nice to get some crowd support.
They cheered for me without trying to drown out Fitz. I appreciate that." Scheffler posted a bogey‑free 67, four birdies, joining Fitzpatrick at 18 under par, yet finished runner‑up for the second straight week on the PGA Tour. He had come from 12 strokes behind at the halfway point at the Masters to finish second to McIlroy, and his strong weekend at the Heritage kept him in contention for a second title in three years. "I played solid golf," Scheffler said.
"Only one bogey over the weekend, many good shots. I wish a few more putts had dropped, but overall I executed my plan. Both weeks I was behind at the turn, then had great Saturdays and Sundays to get back into the mix. On Sunday, a single shot can decide everything.
Fitzy made the shots he needed, and he earned the win." Looking ahead, the PGA Tour will travel to Louisiana for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a two‑man team competition at TPC Louisiana, where defending champions Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin will try to retain their title. Fans can follow the Zurich Classic live on Sky Sports, with early coverage beginning Thursday at 1 p.m. and full coverage from 8 p.m., or stream the action without a contract through the provided service.