Matt Fitzpatrick and his younger brother Alex delivered a dramatic comeback on the back nine to capture a landmark victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a triumph that grants Alex a two‑year exemption on the PGA Tour. The pair made history as the first brothers to win a PGA Tour event, sealing their win with a clutch birdie on the 18th hole that gave them a one‑stroke margin and marked Matt's third triumph of the 2026 season. The world No.
3 has enjoyed 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. This latest success makes Matt the first English golfer to claim three or more PGA Tour wins in a single calendar year, and it catapults him to the top of the 2026 FedExCup leaderboard. Alex Fitzpatrick has also been hitting his stride.
He captured his inaugural DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in March, signaling his arrival on the global stage. The Zurich Classic win instantly awards the 27‑year‑old a two‑year exemption on the PGA Tour through the 2028 season, as well as invitations to the next four signature events, the 2026 PGA Championship and the 2027 Players Championship. "It hasn't quite sunk in yet. It's 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 brothers' path to the trophy was not without drama. After posting a tournament‑record four‑ball score of 57 on Thursday, they entered the final day with a comfortable three‑under‑par lead through the first 11 holes of the final foursomes. However, a double‑bogey on the 12th hole halted their momentum, and a subsequent bogey on the 14th added pressure.
Matt steadied the ship by sinking a crucial par putt on the 15th, but the battle was far from over. Trailing teams—including the American duo of Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer and the Norwegian pair of Kristoffer Reitan and Kris Ventura—had already posted a clubhouse total of 30 under par. The Fitzpatricks needed a birdie on the final hole to clinch the title.
Alex's second shot found a bunker, but Matt's extraordinary chip landed within two feet of the pin, setting up an easy tap‑in for the decisive birdie. Reflecting on the round, Matt admitted, "It was a struggle. I felt I wasn't contributing much beyond the putt on 15.
Alex was fantastic on the back nine, just as he was yesterday. I told him to give us a chance at the end, and his bunker shot gave me an easy tap‑in, which was a huge relief." Beyond the immediate excitement, the victory carries significant implications for both brothers.
Alex's exemption secures his status on the PGA Tour for the next two seasons, allowing him to focus on developing his game without the pressure of qualifying each week. The win also grants the pair entry into the PGA Championship and the Players Championship, two of the sport's most prestigious events, giving them a platform to compete against the world's elite. Matt's achievement adds another chapter to his already impressive resume. By becoming the first Englishman to notch three PGA Tour victories in a single year, he joins a select group of players who have dominated the tour in a short span.
His rise in the FedExCup standings underscores his consistency and ability to perform under pressure, traits that will serve him well as he targets major championships later in the season. The Zurich Classic itself has grown in stature, offering a unique two‑player team format that tests both individual skill and partnership dynamics.
The Fitzpatrick brothers' triumph showcases the chemistry and mutual trust required to excel in this setting. Their ability to rebound from setbacks on the back nine demonstrates mental toughness, a quality that will be essential as they navigate the demanding PGA Tour schedule. Fans and analysts alike are already speculating about what lies ahead for the siblings.
With Alex now firmly established on the PGA Tour, there is potential for future joint appearances and perhaps more historic moments. Matt, meanwhile, will look to add more titles to his collection and contend in the majors, where his recent top‑20 finish at The Masters signals he can compete at the highest level. The victory also highlights the growing influence of British talent on the PGA Tour.
Both Fitzpatricks have shown that players from the UK can transition successfully to the American circuit, bringing a blend of technical proficiency and strategic acumen that resonates with fans worldwide. In summary, the Fitzpatrick brothers' historic Zurich Classic win is a testament to perseverance, family support, and elite performance under pressure.
It secures Alex's future on the PGA Tour, elevates Matt's standing in the FedExCup race, and adds a memorable chapter to the annals of golf history. The story continues to unfold as both brothers set their sights on upcoming majors and further opportunities to etch their names into the sport's legacy.