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 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 their win with a clutch birdie on the 18th hole that gave them a one‑stroke margin and marked Matt's third triumph of the 2026 season. The world No. 3 has enjoyed an extraordinary run in recent months.
After narrowly missing out in a playoff at The Players Championship, he added victories at the Valspar Championship and the RBC Heritage, and posted a top‑20 finish at The Masters. This latest success makes Matt the first Englishman ever to notch three or more PGA Tour wins in a single calendar year, and it catapults him to the top of the 2026 FedExCup leaderboard.
Alex Fitzpatrick has also been hitting his stride. He captured his inaugural DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in March, demonstrating that the younger Fitzpatrick is rapidly emerging as a force in his own right. By winning the Zurich Classic alongside his brother, the 27‑year‑old instantly earned a two‑year PGA Tour exemption that runs 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 emotional reaction underscored how special the achievement was for the family, who have watched both brothers rise through the ranks together. The tournament itself was a roller‑coaster.
On Saturday, the Fitzpatrick duo set a tournament‑record four‑ball score of 57, positioning themselves as clear favorites heading into the final day. They opened the Sunday foursomes strongly, posting a three‑under‑par total through the first 11 holes.
However, a double‑bogey on the 12th hole halted their momentum, and a subsequent bogey on the 14th added pressure. Matt managed to steady the ship with a crucial par putt on the 15th, but the pair still faced a daunting clubhouse target of 30 under set by the American team of Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, as well as the Norwegian pair Kristoffer Reitan and Kris Ventura. Needing a birdie on the final hole to clinch the title, Alex found himself in a bunker after a wayward second shot.
Matt's response was nothing short of spectacular: he executed a delicate chip that landed within two feet of the hole, setting up an easy tap‑in for Alex. The birdie secured the win and sparked jubilant celebrations among the brothers, their parents, and the spectators. Matt reflected on the pressure of the closing holes, 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, 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." Beyond the immediate excitement, the victory carries significant implications for both players.
For Matt, the win solidifies his position as the leading figure on the PGA Tour this season and enhances his FedExCup prospects. For Alex, the two‑year exemption provides a vital platform to compete regularly on the PGA Tour, accelerating his development and exposing him to the highest level of competition. The exemption also guarantees entries into the PGA Championship and the Players Championship, two of the sport's most prestigious events, giving Alex a chance to test his skills against the world's elite.
The Fitzpatrick brothers' achievement also resonates on a broader scale. Sibling victories are rare in professional golf; the last time brothers won a PGA Tour event together was over a decade ago. Their triumph highlights the growing depth of talent emerging from the United Kingdom and underscores the importance of family support in nurturing elite athletes.
Looking ahead, both brothers have expressed optimism about building on this momentum. Matt aims to maintain his lead in the FedExCup race and add more titles to his résumé before the season concludes.
Alex, meanwhile, hopes to translate his recent successes on the European circuit into consistent performances on the PGA Tour, using his newfound exemption to gain experience and confidence. Fans can follow the latest leaderboard updates, watch live streams of PGA Tour events, and stay informed about upcoming golf coverage on Sky Sports. For those interested in experiencing the game firsthand, a range of booking options is available across more than 1,700 courses in the UK and Ireland, offering opportunities to play on historic and modern courses alike. The Fitzpatrick brothers' story is a testament to perseverance, skill, and the unique bond that can drive athletes to extraordinary heights.
Their historic Zurich Classic win will be remembered as a milestone in golf history and a springboard for future successes on both sides of the Atlantic.