Matt Fitzpatrick says he is currently enjoying the strongest spell of golf in his career, a sentiment he voiced while preparing to tee off alongside his father at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. The English professional recently added a fourth global victory to his résumé, clinching the FedEx Open de France with a three‑stroke margin on Sunday. That win follows three earlier triumphs on the PGA Tour, underscoring an impressive run that has seen him dominate fields across continents. Although Fitzpatrick did not break into the top 14 at any of the 2026 major championships, his consistency elsewhere has been remarkable.
He amassed six top‑10 finishes worldwide in addition to his four wins, a record that has left him proud of a season defined by frequent contention. "This is the best period of golf I've played for sure," he told the Sky Sports Golf podcast, comparing it favorably with his breakout 2022 season. "I've collected three wins already and now a fourth.
The key has been sustained consistency." Fitzpatrick acknowledged that the major‑championship results were a disappointment. He explained that every player enters a year with the goal of contending in the majors, as those events carry the most weight. "It's disappointing not to do that this year," he said. "I felt a couple of days off during three of the four majors, and in the last one I didn't play great and I got my strategy wrong." Despite that setback, he emphasized that the overall season remains a success.
"I've been in contention in a lot of tournaments, and that's all you could ask for in a year," he added, reinforcing his belief that the broader body of work outweighs a few missed opportunities in the biggest events. His latest triumph propelled him to the top of the Ryder Cup qualification leaderboard and lifted 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 No. 2, further cementing his status among the elite. When asked about areas for improvement, Fitzpatrick noted that his team is already reviewing various aspects of his game and planning the off‑season schedule.
"There are bits and pieces we've looked at. We're approaching the end of the year and making decisions about the off‑season plan. We have a few targets already set; it's just about how we execute them and structure the work," he explained.
The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship holds personal significance for Fitzpatrick. He captured the title in 2023 alongside his mother, Sue, in the pro‑am component, and this year he paired with his father, Russell, for the team event. "He might get a few more strokes – he'd probably say that himself!" Fitzpatrick joked, referring to his dad's potential impact on his score. The family connection adds a warm narrative to an otherwise highly competitive tournament.
Earlier in the season, Fitzpatrick also won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, partnering with his brother Alex in a memorable sibling victory. The brothers have continued to collaborate, with Alex joining their mother Sue in the team segment of this year's Dunhill Links competition, which is played across three iconic venues: Carnoustie, Kingsbarns Golf Links, and the Old Course at St Andrews. The field this week is stacked with talent.
Defending champion Robert MacIntyre of Scotland returns to defend his title, while seasoned Ryder Cup veterans Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, and Justin Rose also vie for the trophy. Past major champions such as Brooks Koepka and Cameron Smith are present, promising a high‑level showdown. Fitzpatrick remains optimistic about his performance and that of his family members. He hinted that a few solid days could solidify his position heading into the season’s climax.
"Hopefully, Johan [Rupert, tournament organiser] doesn't cut his handicap too much after this past week! He's been playing nicely, so you never know – when the pressure's on, it can be a little different, but we're there to have a good time and enjoy ourselves," he said.
Fans can follow the full interview on the Sky Sports Golf podcast, hosted weekly by Jamie Weir, and can subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker. Video versions of the discussion are also available on the Sky Sports Golf YouTube channel.
The live coverage of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship begins Thursday at midday on Sky Sports Golf, with additional streaming options available through NOW without a contract. Viewers are encouraged to check the latest Sky Sports deals for the best way to watch the action unfold.