Matt Fitzpatrick insists that the stretch of golf he is currently experiencing represents the strongest period of his career, a claim he makes as he prepares to line up alongside his father at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, facing the world No.4 in the field. The Englishman secured his fourth global victory of the year with a three‑stroke triumph at the FedEx Open de France on Sunday, adding to three earlier PGA Tour wins that have defined an impressive campaign.
While Fitzpatrick did not finish higher than 14th in any of the 2026 majors, he still amassed six top‑10 finishes worldwide in addition to his victories, a consistency that he proudly cites as a hallmark of his 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 now logged three wins and, with the latest, a fourth. The key has been sustained consistency across the calendar." He acknowledged that his major‑season performance fell short of expectations. "Obviously, that is a disappointment. Every player sets the goal at the start of the year to contend in the majors – those are the tournaments that matter most.
I felt a couple of days off in three of the four majors and, in the final one, my strategy didn’t work and I didn’t play well," he explained. Despite the let‑down, Fitzpatrick emphasized that the overall season remains a success. "I’ve been in contention in a lot of events, and that’s all you can ask for in a year. It doesn’t diminish the quality of what we’ve achieved so far," he added.
The latest victory propelled Fitzpatrick to the top of the Ryder Cup qualification list and moved him inside the top ten of the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai rankings. At 32, a strong showing in Scotland could lift him to a career‑high world No.2. When asked about areas for improvement, he said, "There are various bits and pieces we’ve been reviewing.
As we approach the end of the year we’ll decide on the off‑season plan. We have a few targets already set; it’s just about how we structure the work to get there." Fitzpatrick’s connection to the Dunhill Links event runs deep.
He captured the 2023 edition’s pro‑am title with his mother, Sue, and this year he will team up with his father, Russell, for the tournament’s team competition. "He might get a few more strokes – he’d probably admit that himself!" Fitzpatrick laughed, recalling his earlier Zurich Classic of New Orleans win alongside his brother Alex in April. Looking ahead, he noted the importance of a strong run of days to cement his position. "We’ll need a solid stretch to put ourselves in a good spot.
Hopefully, Johan [Rupert, tournament organiser] doesn’t cut his handicap too much after the past week! He’s been playing nicely, and under pressure things can change, but we’re there to enjoy ourselves and have fun," Fitzpatrick said. The full interview can be heard on the latest Sky Sports Golf podcast, hosted weekly by Jamie Weir, and is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker.
Video versions are posted on the Sky Sports Golf YouTube channel. This year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship also features Matt’s brother Alex partnering with their mother Sue in the team element, with the tournament spanning Carnoustie, Kingsbarns Golf Links and the historic Old Course at St Andrews. Defending champion Robert MacIntyre returns, while fellow Ryder Cup players Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose join the field. Past major winners Brooks Koepka and Cam Smith also line up, promising a competitive showdown.
Live coverage begins Thursday at midday on Sky Sports Golf, with streaming options available via NOW without a contract. The event offers a compelling mix of seasoned champions and emerging talent, and fans will be watching closely to see whether Fitzpatrick can add another title to his burgeoning résumé while enjoying the unique experience of playing alongside his father on some of the world’s most iconic links courses.