Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick surged ahead of the field heading into the final day of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans after delivering an astonishing better‑ball round of 57, the lowest ever recorded for the tournament. Their combined effort, which was 15 under par, lifted the English pair to a total of 30 under after 54 holes, catapulting them past the overnight leaders Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, who had posted a 61, as well as fellow Americans Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat. The brothers displayed a relentless attack on the back nine, racking up 13 birdies over the course of the round, eight of which came after the turn.
Matt added a spectacular eagle on the par‑five seventh hole, further widening the margin. "Amazing day.
Probably not kind of sunk in how well we played today, if I'm honest," Matt said, reflecting on the seamless string of holes where everything seemed to click. He praised his older sibling, 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 obviously it was nice for him to have such a big impact there on the back nine." Should the Fitzpatrick duo capture the title, Matt would notch his fifth PGA Tour victory and would become the first player in more than two years to win back‑to‑back events, a feat last achieved by Scottie Scheffler when he won the 2024 Masters and the 2024 RBC Heritage.
Alex, meanwhile, would secure a two‑year PGA Tour exemption through 2028, along with automatic entries into the next four signature tournaments, the 2026 PGA Championship and the 2027 Players Championship. The leaderboard after the third round showed Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, who had tied a course record with a 58 in better‑ball play on Thursday, slipping to a tie for second after posting a 62. They were joined in that position by Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat.
Doug Ghim and Jeffrey Kang recorded a 61 to sit in fourth place, five strokes behind the leaders. Notably, 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, posted a 64 with teammate Tom Hoge, leaving them seven strokes off the lead. The final round will shift to the alternate‑shot (foursomes) format, where each team will play a single ball and players will take turns hitting shots. The combined total of strokes on each hole will determine the team’s score, and tee shots will alternate throughout the round. The Zurich Classic stands alone as the PGA Tour’s sole team‑based event.
The first and third rounds are contested in a four‑ball format, where each golfer plays his own ball and the lower score on each hole counts for the team. The second and fourth rounds adopt the foursomes structure, demanding precise coordination and strategy as teammates share one ball. After 36 holes, the top 33 teams and any ties advance to the weekend competition.
If a tie persists after 72 holes, a sudden‑death playoff will decide the champion. This year’s tournament carries heightened stakes, with Tour officials increasing the purse from $9.2 million (£6.83 million) to $9.5 million (£7.05 million). The victorious pair will split roughly 14.45 percent of the total purse, translating to about $1.372 million (£1.02 million) per player.
In addition to the monetary reward, each winner will earn 400 FedExCup points, though no Official World Golf Ranking points are awarded for the event. Beyond the immediate financial and points incentives, the champions will gain entry into several marquee events for the 2027 season, including the Players Championship and the PGA Championship, and will enjoy an exemption to compete at the Zurich Classic for the next two years. These benefits underscore the significance of the tournament within the broader PGA Tour schedule. The atmosphere at TPC Louisiana was electric as spectators witnessed a historic performance.
The brothers’ chemistry was evident; their communication on the course was fluid, and they seemed to anticipate each other's shots, a synergy that is often the hallmark of successful better‑ball teams. Their aggressive play, particularly on the back nine where they amassed eight birdies, demonstrated a willingness to take calculated risks that paid off handsomely.
Looking ahead, the final round promises to be a test of composure. The alternate‑shot format can be unforgiving, as a single mis‑hit can affect both players. However, Alex and Matt have shown resilience and adaptability throughout the tournament, qualities that will serve them well as they aim to convert their commanding lead into a victory. Fans can follow the action live via Sky Sports, which also offers a dedicated golf podcast and a convenient WhatsApp channel for updates, highlights, and analysis.
For those interested in experiencing the course themselves, booking options are available for over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland, allowing golfers of all levels to enjoy a taste of championship‑level play. In summary, the Fitzpatrick brothers have positioned themselves at the forefront of the Zurich Classic with a record‑setting performance that has set a high bar for the concluding round.
Their blend of skill, strategy, and sibling rapport could very well culminate in a memorable triumph, adding another chapter to the tournament’s storied history.