English siblings Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick have established a commanding four-stroke lead at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, courtesy of a tournament-record 57 in the better-ball third round. The duo's impressive 15-under-par performance propelled them to 30 under, overtaking halfway leaders Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, who carded a 61, as well as fellow Americans Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat. The brothers' remarkable round featured 13 birdies, with eight of those coming on the back nine, and an eagle at the par-five seventh, courtesy of Matt.
"It's been an amazing day, but to be honest, the magnitude of our performance hasn't fully sunk in yet," Matt Fitzpatrick remarked. He praised his younger brother's recent form, stating, "His game has turned a corner over the past few months, and I have every confidence he'll maintain this trajectory." A victory for the Fitzpatrick brothers would secure Matt's fifth PGA Tour title and make him the first player in over two years to achieve back-to-back wins.
Alex would receive a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour through 2028, along with entry into several prominent events, including the 2026 PGA Championship and the 2027 Players Championship. The final round will see the teams revert to alternate shot, with the Fitzpatrick brothers aiming to capitalize on their significant lead.