Matt Fitzpatrick is convinced that he is currently experiencing the strongest phase of his golfing career, a sentiment he voiced while preparing to tee off alongside his father at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. The Englishman recently secured his fourth global victory of the season with a three‑stroke triumph at the FedEx Open de France on Sunday, adding to three earlier PGA Tour wins that have marked an impressive run. Although Fitzpatrick did not break into the top 14 in any of the major championships in 2026, he still managed six top‑10 finishes worldwide in addition to his victories. He expressed pride in the consistency and frequency with which he has been in contention throughout the year, noting that such regular competitiveness is a hallmark of a successful season.
"This is the best period of golf I've played for sure," Fitzpatrick told the Sky Sports Golf podcast. "2022 was right up there, but I've had three wins and now a fourth.
The sustained consistency has been the biggest factor." He acknowledged that his major‑championship campaign fell short of expectations. "Obviously that [a disappointing major season] is a disappointment.
It's the goal of anyone's at the start of the year to contend in the majors – those are what mean the most and those are what matter," he said. Fitzpatrick explained that a few off‑days during three of the four majors, coupled with a strategic misstep in the final one, contributed to the under‑performance. Despite the let‑down, he insisted that the overall season remains a success.
"It doesn’t take anything away from the season as a whole. I have contended a lot in a lot of tournaments and that's all you could ask for in a year," he added. The recent French Open win propelled Fitzpatrick to the top of the Ryder Cup qualification leaderboard and vaulted him into the top ten of the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai rankings. At 32, a strong showing in Scotland could see him climb to a career‑high world ranking of No.
2. When asked about areas for improvement, Fitzpatrick said the team is reviewing several aspects of his game as the season draws to a close.
"We’re coming to the year‑end and making decisions on what the off‑season plan needs to be. There are a few things we’ve already identified; it’s just about how we execute them and structure the work," he explained.
Fitzpatrick’s connection to the Dunhill Links event runs deep. He captured the 2023 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship pro‑am title with his mother, Sue, as his partner, and this year he is paired with his father, Russell, for the team competition. Reflecting on his father's involvement, he joked, "I think he might get a few more strokes – he'd probably say that himself!" The tournament also features his brother, Alex Fitzpatrick, who is teaming up with their mother Sue in the same pro‑am format.
Earlier in the year, Matt and Alex won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans together, demonstrating the family's strong golfing pedigree. Looking ahead, Fitzpatrick emphasized the need for a solid stretch of performances to solidify his position heading into the season finale. "We’re going to need a big few days, I think, to get us in some form of position. Hopefully, Johan [Rupert, tournament organiser] doesn’t cut his handicap too much after this past week!" He praised his father's recent play, noting that pressure can change dynamics, but added that the family is there to enjoy the competition.
The full interview can be heard on the latest edition of the Sky Sports Golf podcast, hosted weekly by Jamie Weir, and is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker. Video versions of the discussion are posted on the Sky Sports Golf YouTube channel.
The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship this year features a star‑studded field. Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre returns as defending champion, while fellow Ryder Cup players Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose are also in the mix.
Past major winners such as Brooks Koepka and Cam Smith will be competing as well, promising a high‑quality contest across the historic venues of Carnoustie, Kingsbarns Golf Links and the Old Course at St Andrews. Fans can follow live coverage starting Thursday at midday on Sky Sports Golf, and can also access the latest Sky Sports offers or stream the action without a contract via NOW.
The event not only showcases elite golf but also highlights the unique family dynamics that make the Dunhill Links Championship a beloved fixture on the calendar.