Matt Fitzpatrick and his younger sibling 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. It 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 collected titles 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 notch three or more wins in a single PGA Tour season, and it catapults him to the top of the 2026 FedExCup standings.
Alex Fitzpatrick, who captured his first DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in March, has also been riding a wave of strong form. The 27‑year‑old’s victory at the Zurich Classic 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 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’ path to the trophy was anything but smooth. After posting a tournament‑record four‑ball score of 57 in the opening round, they entered the final day with a comfortable three‑under‑par lead through the first 11 holes of the foursomes.
Their momentum stalled at the 12th when a double‑bogey erased part of their advantage. A further bogey on the 14th added pressure, but Matt steadied the ship by sinking a crucial par putt on the 15th. Meanwhile, 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 18th to clinch the title.
Alex’s second shot on the final hole 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. Matt reflected on the finish, saying, "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, just like yesterday.
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 another trophy to Matt’s burgeoning résumé but also cements the Fitzpatrick name in PGA Tour history. Their achievement underscores the rare chemistry that siblings can bring to a team format, especially under the pressure of a major tournament’s closing holes.
For Alex, the exemption and entry into upcoming marquee events provide a platform to build on his recent DP World Tour success and establish himself as a regular contender on the PGA Tour. Beyond the immediate accolades, the win has broader implications for the brothers’ careers. The two‑year exemption guarantees Alex a stable schedule on the PGA Tour, allowing him to focus on refining his game without the anxiety of qualifying each week.
The automatic invitations to the PGA Championship and Players Championship will give him exposure on golf’s biggest stages, where strong performances can translate into world‑ranking points and additional sponsorship opportunities. Matt’s continued dominance this season also positions him as a leading figure in the FedExCup race. With three victories already, he is poised to challenge for the season‑long title, and his recent form suggests he could add more wins before the season concludes.
His ability to deliver under pressure, as demonstrated by the clutch birdie on the 18th, reinforces his reputation as one of the sport’s most resilient competitors. The Zurich Classic itself has become known for its exciting team format, and the Fitzpatrick brothers’ dramatic finish adds another memorable chapter to its history. Fans witnessed a blend of skill, teamwork, and emotional storytelling as the siblings navigated the highs and lows of the final round, ultimately triumphing in front of a supportive crowd. Looking ahead, both brothers have expressed optimism about the future.
Alex is eager to test his mettle against the world’s best in upcoming PGA Tour events, while Matt aims to maintain his momentum and potentially secure a fourth win this season. Their shared victory serves as a testament to hard work, familial support, and the unique bond that can elevate performance when two brothers compete side by side.
The story of the Fitzpatrick brothers at the Zurich Classic will be remembered not only for its historic first‑of‑its‑kind achievement but also for the human element that resonated with fans worldwide—two brothers achieving a dream together, overcoming adversity on the back nine, and celebrating a win that will be talked about for years to come.