The Fitzpatrick brothers, Alex and Matt, have forged a commanding four‑stroke advantage as they head into the concluding round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, thanks to a historic better‑ball third round of 57—a new tournament record. Their blistering 15‑under‑par performance lifted the English duo to a cumulative 30‑under‑par, catapulting them past the previous leaders, Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, who posted a 61, as well as fellow Americans Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat. At TPC Louisiana the brothers combined for an impressive tally of 13 birdies, eight of which came on the back nine alone. Matt also added an eagle on the par‑five seventh hole, further extending their lead.
"Amazing day. It probably hasn't fully 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, "He played brilliant golf both last two days. His game has really turned a corner these last few months, and I believe he'll keep that momentum going.
He's doing all the right things, and it was great to see him make such a big impact on the back nine." The brothers' chemistry and complementary styles have clearly paid dividends, and if they can hold onto their lead they will secure a victory that would be momentous for both. A win would give Matt his fifth PGA Tour title and would make him the first player in over two years to capture back‑to‑back victories on the Tour, a feat last achieved by Scottie Scheffler, who won the 2024 Masters and the 2024 RBC Heritage.
Alex would also reap significant rewards, earning a two‑year PGA Tour exemption through 2028, plus entry into the next four signature events, including the 2026 PGA Championship and the 2027 Players Championship. Meanwhile, the competition remains fierce. Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, who had posted a course‑record‑tying 58 in better‑ball on Thursday—a score that held for 48 hours—shot a 62 on Saturday and now sit tied for second with Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat.
Doug Ghim and Jeffrey Kang posted a 61 to move into fourth place, five strokes behind the leaders. Notable moments from the tournament include Zach Bauchou’s hole‑in‑one on the par‑three third hole, the first ace recorded at the Zurich Classic since 2024.
Bauchou and his 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 as part of a team, shot a 64 alongside partner Tom Hoge, leaving them seven shots off the lead. The final round on Sunday will shift to alternate‑shot (foursomes) play, where each team uses a single ball and players take turns hitting shots. This format change often reshapes the leaderboard, demanding precise teamwork and strategic tee‑shot selection.
The Zurich Classic is unique on the PGA Tour as the sole team‑based event. The first and third rounds use a four‑ball format—each player plays his own ball and the lower score on each hole counts for the team. The second and fourth rounds employ the foursomes format, where teammates alternate shots with one ball, and the total strokes determine the team’s score for each hole.
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 decide the champion.
This year’s tournament carries even more weight financially. PGA Tour officials have increased the prize fund from $9.2 million (£6.83 million) to $9.5 million (£7.05 million). The winning pair will split approximately 14.45 percent of the purse, translating to roughly $1.372 million (£1.02 million) each. In addition to the monetary reward, each player on the victorious team will earn 400 FedExCup points, though no Official World Golf Ranking points are on offer.
Beyond the immediate benefits, the champions will secure coveted spots in several marquee events for the 2027 season, including the Players Championship and the PGA Championship. They will also enjoy an exemption to return to the Zurich Classic for the next two editions, giving them a chance to defend their title. As the weekend unfolds, spectators can follow the action via Sky Sports, tune into live streams, or listen to the Sky Sports Golf Podcast for in‑depth analysis. Fans can also stay updated through Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel, which delivers the latest news, video highlights, and expert commentary.
The Zurich Classic’s blend of individual skill and collaborative strategy makes it a highlight on the PGA Tour calendar, and the Fitzpatrick brothers’ remarkable performance has set the stage for a dramatic finale. Whether they can maintain their lead under the pressure of alternate‑shot play remains to be seen, but their dominant third round has already etched their names into the tournament’s history. For those looking to experience golf firsthand, there are now more than 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland where you can book a round, explore new venues, and perhaps practice the same shots that have propelled the Fitzpatrick brothers to the top of the leaderboard.