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 pair made history as the first brothers to win a PGA Tour event, sealing the win with a clutch birdie on the 18th hole and edging their rivals by a single stroke. This marked Matt's third PGA Tour win 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 collected titles at the Valspar Championship and the RBC Heritage, and posted a top‑20 finish at The Masters.
His latest success places him among an elite group of English golfers, becoming the first from his country to notch three or more PGA Tour victories in a single year, and propels him to the top of the 2026 FedExCup standings. Alex Fitzpatrick has also been riding a wave of strong form. He captured his first DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in March, signaling his arrival on the global stage. 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.
Reflecting on the achievement, Alex told Sky Sports' Rich Beem, "It won't sink in yet. It's as good as it gets.
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' emotional celebration underscored the familial bond that helped them persevere through a challenging final round. The tournament’s final day was far from straightforward. After posting a record‑breaking four‑ball score of 57 in the opening round, the Fitzpatricks appeared to be cruising, holding a three‑under‑par lead through the first 11 holes of the final foursomes.
However, a double‑bogey on the 12th hole halted their momentum, and a subsequent bogey on the 14th threatened to unravel their advantage. Matt steadied the ship with a crucial par putt on the 15th, preventing the round from slipping further. Meanwhile, the American duo of Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, along with Norway's Kristoffer Reitan and Kris Ventura, posted a clubhouse total of 30 under par, setting a formidable target.
The Fitzpatricks needed a birdie on the 18th to claim the title. Alex's tee shot found the bunker, but Matt produced a remarkable chip that landed within two feet of the hole, setting up the decisive birdie putt. Matt admitted after the round, "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 carries significant implications beyond the trophy. Alex’s two‑year PGA Tour exemption guarantees entry into a host of premier events, providing him with a platform to further develop his game against the world's best.
For Matt, the win solidifies his position as a leading contender for major championships and cements his status as a dominant force on the tour. Beyond the immediate accolades, the Fitzpatrick brothers' achievement highlights the growing presence of sibling pairs in professional golf, echoing past successes of duos like the Molinari brothers and the Koepka brothers. Their triumph also underscores the importance of teamwork in the Zurich Classic's two‑player format, where chemistry and mutual support can tip the scales in tightly contested finishes. Looking ahead, both brothers have expressed excitement about the upcoming schedule.
Matt plans to focus on maintaining his momentum heading into the summer majors, while Alex aims to leverage his new exemption to gain experience on the PGA Tour, refine his skills, and chase additional victories. Their shared goal remains clear: to continue building on this historic win and to make a lasting impact on the sport. Fans can follow the Fitzpatricks' journey through Sky Sports' coverage, including live broadcasts, podcasts, and social media updates. The tournament’s leaderboard, now archived, reflects the narrow margin that defined the final round, while highlights of the decisive 18th‑hole birdie are available for replay.
In summary, the Zurich Classic victory not only etched the Fitzpatrick brothers' names in PGA Tour history but also set the stage for a promising future for both players. Their blend of skill, resilience, and familial camaraderie offers a compelling narrative for golf enthusiasts worldwide, and their story will likely inspire future generations of siblings aiming to compete at the highest level.