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 brothers made history as the first pair of siblings 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 tour victory of the 2026 season. The world No.
3 has been on an impressive run in recent months. After narrowly missing out in a playoff at The Players Championship, he added titles 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 notch three or more wins in a single PGA Tour season, and it propels him to the top of the 2026 FedExCup leaderboard. Alex Fitzpatrick, 27, has also been riding a wave of good form.
He captured his first DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in March, and the Zurich Classic win instantly earns him a two‑year PGA Tour exemption 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 – 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." The final round was anything but smooth. After posting a tournament‑record four‑ball score of 57 on Friday, the Fitzpatricks entered Sunday with a comfortable three‑under lead through the first 11 holes of the concluding foursomes.
Their momentum stalled on the 12th when they double‑bogeyed, and another bogey on the 14th threatened their advantage. Matt steadied the ship by sinking a vital par putt on the 15th, but the pressure remained high.
Trailing teams – 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 approach on the 18th found a bunker, but Matt's extraordinary chip landed within two feet of the pin, setting up an easy tap‑in for the winning birdie. Reflecting on the finish, Matt admitted the partnership had been a struggle at times.
"I wasn't doing much to help Alex, apart from that putt on 15," he said. "He was fantastic on the back nine, just like yesterday. I told him to give us a chance on the last hole, and his bunker shot gave us a perfect tap‑in." Beyond the immediate excitement, the victory carries significant implications for both brothers. For Matt, the win solidifies his dominance this season and strengthens his FedExCup lead, positioning him as a favorite for the upcoming majors.
For Alex, the exemption guarantees regular PGA Tour starts for the next two years, a rare opportunity for a player who has primarily competed on the European circuit. It also grants him entry into the PGA Championship and the Players Championship, two of golf's most prestigious events.
The Fitzpatrick triumph also highlights the growing presence of British talent on the global stage. Matt's string of victories this year, combined with Alex's breakthrough on the DP World Tour, underscores a resurgence of English golfers capable of competing at the highest level. Fans can relive the dramatic finish through the official PGA Tour streaming platform, which offers a contract‑free viewing experience. For those following the action on television, Sky Sports continues to broadcast live coverage and provides a dedicated golf podcast for deeper analysis.
In addition to the on‑course drama, the event featured a range of fan engagement tools, including a WhatsApp channel for real‑time updates, videos, and expert commentary. Golf enthusiasts are also encouraged to explore the extensive network of over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland, where they can book tee times and experience the sport firsthand. Overall, the Zurich Classic will be remembered not only for its record‑setting four‑ball round but also for the emotional narrative of two brothers overcoming adversity to etch their names into PGA Tour history.
Their victory serves as a testament to perseverance, family support, and the unpredictable nature of golf, where a single shot on the final hole can turn a precarious situation into an unforgettable triumph.