Matt Fitzpatrick and his younger brother Alex pulled off a dramatic comeback on the back nine to capture a landmark triumph at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a victory 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 the win with a clutch birdie on the 18th hole to edge out the competition by a single stroke.
This marked Matt’s third 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 wins at the Valspar Championship and the RBC Heritage, and posted a top‑20 finish at The Masters.
His latest success makes him the first English golfer to claim three or more PGA Tour titles in a single calendar year, and it propels him to the top of the 2026 FedExCup standings. Alex Fitzpatrick has also been riding a wave of good form. He captured his first DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in March, demonstrating that he can compete at the highest level.
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 won’t sink in yet. It’s as good as it gets," Alex told Sky Sports’ Rich Beem.
"It’s amazing to be here with him, mum and dad. A lot of hard work; I can’t believe we’ve done it." The brothers’ journey to the trophy was anything but smooth.
After posting a tournament‑record four‑ball score of 57 on Saturday, they entered Sunday’s final round with a comfortable three‑under lead through the first 11 holes of the foursomes. However, a double‑bogey on the 12th hole halted their momentum, and a subsequent bogey on the 14th put additional pressure on the pair. Matt managed to steady the ship by sinking a crucial par putt on the 15th, but the challenge continued. The American duo of Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, along with Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan and Kris Ventura, had already posted a clubhouse total of 30 under par, meaning the Fitzpatrick brothers needed a birdie on the final hole to clinch the title.
On the 18th, Alex’s second shot found a bunker, but Matt’s short‑game brilliance shone through. He executed a delicate chip that landed within two feet of the hole, setting up an easy tap‑in for the winning birdie. The moment encapsulated the brothers’ chemistry and resilience.
Reflecting on the round, Matt admitted, "It was a struggle. I was doing absolutely zero to help him apart from the putt on 15. He was fantastic on that back nine, as he was yesterday as well.
I said ‘just give us a chance at the last’, and to hit a bunker shot like that, it was nice to give him an easy tap in there." The victory not only adds a historic chapter to PGA Tour lore but also secures Alex’s future on the circuit. The two‑year exemption guarantees his entry into PGA Tour events through 2028, and the automatic qualifications for the 2026 PGA Championship and the 2027 Players Championship provide further opportunities to showcase his talent on golf’s biggest stages. Beyond the immediate accolades, the Fitzpatrick brothers’ win underscores the growing prominence of sibling partnerships in professional golf. Their ability to combine individual strengths—Matt’s seasoned experience and Alex’s rising confidence—created a formidable tandem that overcame adversity and delivered under pressure.
The Zurich Classic itself has become a showcase for innovative team formats, and the Fitzpatricks’ success will likely inspire other duos to aim for similar achievements. Their story also highlights the importance of family support in a sport that often demands solitary focus; the presence of their parents on the 18th green added an emotional layer to an already poignant moment. As the 2026 season progresses, both brothers have plenty to look forward to. Matt, now leading the FedExCup race, will aim to maintain his momentum and add more titles to his résumé, while Alex will seek to capitalize on his newfound Tour exemption, gaining experience against the world’s elite and striving for additional victories.
Fans can relive the excitement through the PGA Tour’s streaming platforms, and Sky Sports will continue to provide live coverage and analysis, including podcasts and behind‑the‑scenes features that delve deeper into the Fitzpatricks’ journey. In summary, the Fitzpatrick brothers’ historic Zurich Classic win represents a blend of skill, perseverance, and familial bond. Their achievement not only cements their place in PGA Tour history but also sets the stage for a promising future for both Matt and Alex as they continue to chase further success on the global golf stage.