The Fitzpatrick brothers, Alex and Matt, entered the final day of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with a commanding four‑stroke advantage after posting a historic better‑ball 57 in the third round – the lowest score ever recorded for the format in the tournament's history. Their 15‑under‑par round lifted the English duo to a total of 30 under, vaulting them past the overnight leaders Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, who had carded a 61, as well as fellow American teammates Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat. During that remarkable round at TPC Louisiana, the pair combined for a staggering 13 birdies, eight of which came on the back nine, and Matt capped the effort with an eagle on the par‑five seventh hole.
The performance was a masterclass in teamwork and aggressive play, illustrating how the better‑ball format can produce explosive scoring when both partners are in sync. Matt reflected on the day’s success, saying, "Amazing day.
It probably hasn't fully sunk in how well we played today, if I'm honest. It was just hole after hole of great golf." He also praised his older brother, noting, "He played brilliant golf both last two days. His game has really turned a corner these last few months, and I believe in him to continue that trend. He's doing all the right things and it was nice for him to have such a big impact on the back nine." If the brothers can hold onto their lead and win the event, Matt would claim his fifth PGA Tour victory and would become the first player in more than two years to win back‑to‑back tournaments, a feat last achieved by Scottie Scheffler when he captured the 2024 Masters and the 2024 RBC Heritage.
Alex would also reap significant rewards: a two‑year PGA Tour exemption through 2028 and automatic invitations to 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 previously tied the course record with a 58 in better‑ball play on Thursday, posted a 62 on Saturday and fell into a tie for second place with Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat. Doug Ghim and Jeffrey Kang recorded a 61, moving them into fourth place, five strokes behind the leaders.
Zach Bauchou made the tournament’s first hole‑in‑one since 2024 on the par‑three third hole; he and 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 Tom Hoge, leaving them seven strokes behind. The final round on Sunday will shift to the alternate‑shot (foursomes) format, where teammates share a single ball and take turns hitting shots. This change adds a strategic layer, as players must coordinate tee shots, approach shots, and putting responsibilities throughout the round.
After 72 holes, if teams are tied, a sudden‑death playoff will determine the champion. The Zurich Classic is unique on the PGA Tour as the sole team‑based event. The first and third rounds use the four‑ball format, allowing each golfer to play their own ball and count the lower score on each hole.
The second and final rounds employ the foursomes format, demanding precise teamwork and communication. Beyond the prestige of winning, the stakes are substantial. The tournament purse has been increased from $9.2 million to $9.5 million, with the victorious duo sharing roughly 14.45 percent of the total—approximately $1.372 million each.
Both players will also earn 400 FedExCup points, though no Official World Golf Ranking points are awarded for the team event. In addition, the champions secure invitations to several marquee tournaments for the 2027 season, including the Players Championship and the PGA Championship, and they receive an exemption to return to the Zurich Classic for the next two years. The event’s format, prize structure, and the opportunity for a rare back‑to‑back win have generated considerable excitement among fans and analysts alike. As the weekend progresses, the pressure will mount on the Fitzpatrick brothers to maintain their composure and translate their explosive third‑round performance into a tournament victory.
Their blend of experience, recent form, and sibling chemistry positions them as the team to beat, but the depth of the field ensures that any of the remaining squads could mount a comeback in the alternate‑shot finale. Golf enthusiasts can follow live coverage via Sky Sports, stream the PGA Tour without a contract, and stay updated through Sky Sports' podcasts and WhatsApp news service.
For those interested in playing the courses themselves, bookings are available at over 1,700 venues across the UK and Ireland, offering a chance to experience a taste of professional‑level golf.