The sibling pair, 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 round of 57, the lowest ever recorded in the tournament. Their 15‑under‑par performance on Saturday catapulted the English brothers to a total of 30 under par, overtaking the overnight leaders Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, who had posted a 61, as well as fellow Americans Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat. At TPC Louisiana the Fitzpatricks combined for an impressive 13 birdies, eight of which came on the back nine alone, and Matt added a spectacular eagle on the par‑five seventh hole. The pair’s relentless scoring spree turned the round into a showcase of precision, power, and teamwork.
Matt reflected on the day, 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 become the first player in more than two years to win back‑to‑back events, a feat last achieved by Scottie Scheffler, who won the 2024 Masters and the 2024 RBC Heritage. In addition, Alex would secure a two‑year PGA Tour exemption through 2028, along with automatic 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 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 alongside Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat. Doug Ghim and Jeffrey Kang recorded a 61, moving them into fourth place, five strokes behind the leaders. Zach Bauchou made history with the tournament’s first hole‑in‑one since 2024 on the par‑three third hole.
Bauchou and his 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 partner Tom Hoge, leaving them seven strokes behind the Fitzpatricks. The final round on Sunday will shift to alternate‑shot (foursomes) format, where each team plays a single ball and players take turns hitting shots. This change adds a strategic layer, as teammates must coordinate tee shots, approach shots, and putts in perfect harmony.
The Zurich Classic stands out as the PGA Tour’s sole team‑based event. The first and third rounds use a four‑ball format, allowing each golfer to play his own ball and taking the lower score on each hole for the team. The second and fourth rounds switch to foursomes, requiring true collaboration as the pair alternates shots throughout the round.
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 determine the champions. This year’s tournament features a heightened prize purse, increased by the PGA Tour leadership from $9.2 million to $9.5 million. The victorious team will split roughly 14.45 percent of the total, translating to about $1.372 million per player.
In addition to the financial reward, each winner will earn 400 FedExCup points, although no Official World Golf Ranking points are awarded for this event. Beyond the immediate accolades, the champions will gain entry into several marquee tournaments for the 2027 season, including the Players Championship and the PGA Championship.
They will also enjoy an exemption to return to the Zurich Classic for the next two years, providing valuable playing opportunities and exposure. The tournament’s unique format and substantial stakes have drawn considerable attention from fans and analysts alike. The Fitzpatrick brothers, already distinguished by their individual successes—Matt with his recent Indian Open triumph and Alex with multiple PGA Tour victories—have now positioned themselves as a formidable duo capable of reshaping the narrative of team golf on the PGA Tour.
As the final round approaches, spectators can anticipate a dramatic showdown. The combination of alternate‑shot precision, the pressure of defending a sizable lead, and the desire to secure a historic back‑to‑back win for Matt creates a compelling storyline. Whether the Fitzpatrick brothers can sustain their momentum against seasoned competitors like Smalley, Springer, Thompson, and Eckroat will be the central question on Sunday’s stage.
Fans eager to follow the action can stream the event live, catch updates on Sky Sports, or tune into the Sky Sports Golf Podcast for in‑depth analysis. The Zurich Classic continues to showcase the camaraderie and competitive spirit of team golf, offering a refreshing contrast to the individual‑focused nature of most PGA Tour events. In summary, the Fitzpatrick brothers stand on the brink of a potentially career‑defining victory.
Their record‑breaking 57‑stroke round has set a high bar, and the final day’s alternate‑shot format will test their synergy and mental fortitude. With significant prize money, FedExCup points, and future tournament exemptions on the line, the stakes could not be higher. The outcome will not only determine the champions of this week’s Zurich Classic but also shape the narrative of sibling success on the world stage of professional golf.