The English duo of Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick surged into a commanding four‑stroke advantage as they headed into the final day of the Zurich Classic in New Orleans, after posting a historic better‑ball 57 in the third round – the lowest score ever recorded for the tournament. Their 15‑under‑par round lifted the pair to a total of 30 under, eclipsing the previous leaders Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, who had posted a 61, as well as fellow Americans Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat. During that remarkable round the brothers combined for an astonishing 13 birdies, eight of which came on the back nine, and Matt added an eagle on the par‑five seventh hole. "Amazing day.
It probably hasn't sunk in yet how well we played," Matt said after the round, noting that hole after hole seemed to fall into place. He praised his older brother, saying, "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 it was great to see him have such a big impact on the back nine." If the Fitzpatrick brothers can hold onto their lead and win the event, Matt would notch his fifth PGA Tour victory and would become the first player in more than two years to capture back‑to‑back titles on the Tour – a feat last achieved by Scottie Scheffler, who won the 2024 Masters and the 2024 RBC Heritage.
Alex would also secure a two‑year exemption on the PGA Tour 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 had tied a course‑record 58 in better‑ball play on Thursday – a record that stood for 48 hours – posted a 62 on Saturday and fell into a tie for second place alongside Davis Thompson and Austin Eckroat. Doug Ghim and Jeffrey Kang each carded a 61, moving them into fourth place, five strokes behind the Fitzpatricks.
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 back. Veteran Billy Horschel, the only player to have won the Zurich Classic both as an individual and in the team format, shot a 64 with partner Tom Hoge, leaving them seven strokes behind the leaders. Sunday's final round will shift to the alternate‑shot (foursomes) format, where each team plays a single ball and the players take turns hitting shots.
This change in format adds a strategic layer, as teammates must coordinate tee shots and manage the rhythm of play throughout the round. After the first two rounds, the top 33 teams and any ties will advance to the weekend, and if a tie persists after 72 holes, a sudden‑death playoff will determine the champion. The Zurich Classic is unique on the PGA Tour as the only team‑based event. The first and third rounds are contested in a four‑ball (better‑ball) format, where each golfer plays his own ball and the lower score on each hole counts for the team.
The second and final rounds switch to foursomes, requiring players to share a ball and alternate shots, with the combined total strokes forming the team score for each hole. This hybrid structure tests both individual skill and teamwork. Financial stakes are high this year. PGA Tour officials have increased the tournament purse from $9.2 million (£6.83 million) to $9.5 million (£7.05 million).
The winning duo will split roughly 14.45 percent of the purse, translating to about $1.372 million (£1.02 million) each. In addition to the monetary reward, each player on the victorious team will earn 400 FedExCup points, though no Official World Golf Ranking points are awarded for the event.
Beyond the immediate rewards, the champions will gain entry into several marquee tournaments for the 2027 season, including the Players Championship and the PGA Championship, and will enjoy an exemption to compete in the Zurich Classic for the next two years. These perks provide both short‑term financial gain and long‑term career security. The atmosphere at TPC Louisiana has been electric, with fans witnessing an unprecedented level of play.
The Fitzpatrick brothers' 57 not only set a new tournament record but also highlighted the potential for teamwork to produce scores that rival the best individual rounds on the Tour. Their performance has sparked conversations about the future of team events on the PGA Tour and the possibility of more innovative formats that blend individual brilliance with collaborative strategy. As the final round approaches, all eyes will be on the English pair to see if they can maintain their momentum and convert their historic round into a victory.
The pressure will be intense, especially with the alternate‑shot format demanding precise coordination and mental resilience. Whether they triumph or are overtaken, the Fitzpatrick brothers have already left an indelible mark on this year's Zurich Classic, delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come.