Matt Fitzpatrick and his younger brother Alex pulled off a dramatic comeback on the back nine to capture a landmark victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a triumph that also grants Alex a two‑year exemption on the PGA Tour. The duo made history as the first pair of brothers to win a PGA Tour event, sealing the win with a clutch birdie on the 18th hole to edge out the competition by a single stroke. It marked Matt's third tournament win of the 2026 season.
The world No. 3 has been on a remarkable run in recent months.
After narrowly missing out in a playoff at The Players Championship, he added victories at the Valspar Championship and the RBC Heritage, and posted a top‑20 finish at The Masters. His latest success places him in elite company as the first Englishman to claim three or more PGA Tour titles in a single calendar year, and it propels him to the top of the 2026 FedExCup rankings. Alex Fitzpatrick has also been riding a wave of strong form.
He captured his first DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in March, showcasing the talent that runs in the family. The Zurich Classic win instantly awards the 27‑year‑old a two‑year exemption on the PGA Tour through 2028, as well as invitations to the next four signature events, the 2026 PGA Championship and the 2027 Players Championship.
"It hasn't sunk in yet. This is as good as it gets," Alex told Sky Sports' Rich Beem. "Being out here with Matt, mum and dad, after all the hard work, is unbelievable. I still can’t wrap my head around it." The final round was anything but smooth.
After posting a tournament‑record four‑ball score of 57 in the opening round, the brothers appeared to be cruising, sitting three under through the first 11 holes of the decisive foursomes. Their momentum stalled when they double‑bogeyed the 12th, followed by another bogey at 14. Matt managed to halt the slide with a crucial par putt on the 15th, but the pressure remained high. The clubhouse leaders—American pair Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, along with Norway's Kristoffer Reitan and Kris Ventura—had already posted a total of 30 under par.
The Fitzpatricks needed a birdie on the final hole to claim the title. Alex's second shot found a bunker, but Matt's delicate chip landed within two feet of the hole, setting up an easy tap‑in birdie that clinched the victory. Matt reflected on the experience, saying, "It was a struggle. I felt like I wasn't contributing much, aside from that putt on 15.
Alex was fantastic on the back nine, just like he was yesterday. I told him to give us one more chance, and when he hit that bunker shot, it was great to see him set up an easy tap‑in." Beyond the immediate excitement, the win carries significant implications for both brothers. For Matt, the victory reinforces his position as a leading contender for the season‑ending FedExCup and adds momentum heading into the major championships.
For Alex, the two‑year PGA Tour exemption provides a valuable platform to compete regularly against the world's best, accelerate his development, and potentially secure more titles. The Fitzpatrick story also highlights the growing presence of British talent on the global stage. With Matt's string of wins and Alex's breakthrough on the DP World Tour, the brothers exemplify the depth of skill emerging from England. Their success may inspire a new generation of players and draw increased attention to the sport in their home country.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching how the brothers build on this achievement. The Zurich Classic, a unique team‑format event, showcased the chemistry and mutual support that can exist between siblings on the course. Their ability to rebound from setbacks—double‑bogeys, missed opportunities, and the pressure of a final‑hole birdie—demonstrates mental resilience that is essential for sustained success on the PGA Tour. Looking ahead, both Matt and Alex have busy schedules.
Matt will likely target the remaining majors, including the PGA Championship and the upcoming Players Championship, while Alex will aim to make the most of his exemption, enter additional PGA Tour events, and continue his ascent on the DP World Tour. Their shared victory provides a memorable milestone, but it also sets a high bar for future performances. The Zurich Classic win will be remembered not only for its historic brotherly aspect but also for the dramatic nature of the finish—a testament to the unpredictable excitement that golf can deliver. As the Fitzpatrick brothers celebrate their achievement, they also remind us that perseverance, family support, and a little bit of daring can turn a challenging back nine into a moment of lasting triumph.