The English siblings, Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick, entered the final day of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with a commanding four‑stroke cushion after delivering a historic better‑ball 57 in the third round – the lowest score ever recorded for that segment of the tournament. Their 15‑under‑par round elevated their team total to an astonishing 30 under, catapulting them past the previous leaders, Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, who had posted a 61, as well as fellow American pair Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat. During that record‑setting round the brothers combined for an impressive 13 birdies, eight of which came on the back nine, and Matt added a spectacular eagle on the par‑five seventh hole. The performance was a showcase of seamless teamwork and individual brilliance, with each shot contributing to a relentless march down the leaderboard.
Matt Fitzpatrick reflected on the day’s achievement, saying, "Amazing day. Probably not kind of sunk in how well we played today, if I'm honest. It was just hole after hole." He praised his older brother’s play, 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 brothers 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 accomplished by Scottie Scheffler when he won the 2024 Masters and the 2024 RBC Heritage.
In addition, Alex would secure a two‑year exemption on the PGA Tour through 2028, along with invitations to the next four signature events, the 2026 PGA Championship and the 2027 Players Championship. The competition remains fierce.
Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, who had posted a course‑record‑tying 58 in better‑ball on Thursday—a record that stood for 48 hours—shot a 62 on Saturday and fell into a tie for second place with Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat. Doug Ghim and Jeffrey Kang posted a 61, moving them into fourth place, five strokes behind the leaders.
Notably, Zach Bauchou recorded 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 off the lead. Veteran Billy Horschel, the only player to have won the Zurich Classic both as an individual and in the team format, paired with Tom Hoge for a 64, leaving them seven strokes behind. The final round will shift to the alternate‑shot (foursomes) format, where each team will play a single ball, alternating shots throughout the hole and teeing off alternately. This change tests the pair’s chemistry and strategic planning, as every stroke directly impacts the team’s score.
The Zurich Classic is unique on the PGA Tour as the sole team‑based event. The first and third rounds use a four‑ball format, allowing each player to play his own ball and taking the lower score on each hole.
The second and fourth rounds switch to foursomes, demanding precise coordination. After 36 holes, the top 33 teams and any ties advance to the weekend, and if a tie persists after 72 holes, a sudden‑death playoff will decide the champion.
Financial stakes are high this year. Tournament organizers have increased the purse from $9.2 million (£6.83 million) to $9.5 million (£7.05 million). The victorious team will split roughly 14.45 percent of the total, equating to about $1.372 million (£1.02 million) per player. In addition to the monetary reward, each winner receives 400 FedExCup points, though no Official World Golf Ranking points are awarded for the event.
Beyond the immediate rewards, the champions earn valuable exemptions. They will receive automatic entry into several marquee tournaments for the 2027 season, including the Players Championship and the PGA Championship, and will be granted a two‑year exemption to return to the Zurich Classic. These perks provide both security and prestige, enhancing the winners’ standing on the Tour.
The Zurich Classic’s blend of four‑ball excitement and foursomes strategy makes it a compelling showcase of teamwork in a sport that is typically individual‑focused. Fans can follow the drama via Sky Sports, which offers live coverage, podcasts, and real‑time updates through its WhatsApp service. For those unable to watch on television, the PGA Tour stream is available without a contract, ensuring broad accessibility. As the final round approaches, the Fitzpatrick brothers will aim to maintain their composure and capitalize on the momentum generated by their record‑breaking third round.
Their partnership exemplifies the synergy that can arise when two talented golfers combine their strengths, and the outcome of Sunday’s competition will be a testament to their skill, preparation, and mutual confidence. Whether they secure the title or finish as runners‑up, the Fitzpatrick duo’s performance has already left an indelible mark on this year’s Zurich Classic, highlighting the excitement that team events bring to professional golf and setting a high bar for future competitors.