Matt Fitzpatrick is convinced that he is currently enjoying the strongest run of golf of his professional life, a sentiment he shared while preparing to tee off alongside his father at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. The Englishman recently added a fourth global victory to his résumé, clinching the FedEx Open de France with a three‑stroke margin on Sunday. This triumph follows three earlier wins on the PGA Tour, underscoring what has been an impressive and consistent season for the 32‑year‑old.
Although Fitzpatrick did not break into the top 14 at any of the major championships in 2026, he still managed to record six top‑10 finishes worldwide in addition to his four victories. He expressed pride in the sheer volume of contests where he was in contention, noting that the frequency of his challenges speaks volumes about the quality of his play. "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 key has been the sustained consistency across the calendar." He went on to acknowledge the disappointment of not performing as well in the majors, describing those tournaments as the ultimate benchmark for any professional golfer. "Everyone aims to contend in the majors at the start of the year – those are the events that matter most.
Not hitting the mark this season was frustrating. I felt a few days off in three of the four majors, and in the final one my strategy fell short and my execution was off." Despite that setback, Fitzpatrick insisted the overall season remains a success.
"I've been in the mix in a lot of tournaments, and that's all you can ask for in a year," he said. His latest win propelled him to the top of the Ryder Cup qualification leaderboard and secured a place inside the top ten of the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai rankings. A strong performance in Scotland could even lift him to a career‑high world ranking of No. 2.
When pressed about potential areas for improvement, Fitzpatrick was thoughtful. "There are a few bits and pieces we've been reviewing.
As we approach the end of the year, we're shaping the off‑season plan. We have several targets already identified; it's now a matter of how we structure the work to achieve them," he explained. Fitzpatrick's connection to the Dunhill Links event runs deep.
He captured the 2023 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in the pro‑am segment with his mother, Sue, as his partner. This year, he teamed up with his father, Russell, for the same competition.
Reflecting on his father's involvement, Fitzpatrick joked, "He might take a few extra strokes – he'd probably admit that himself!" The family dynamic adds a personal touch to an otherwise high‑stakes tournament. The Englishman also highlighted his recent success in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he partnered with his brother Alex to claim victory in April. "We’ll need a few solid days to get us into a good position. Hopefully Johan [Rupert, tournament organiser] doesn’t cut his handicap too much after the last week!" Fitzpatrick added, noting that his brother has been playing well and that pressure can change the dynamics of a round, but the family always aims to enjoy the experience.
Listeners can hear the full interview on the latest edition of the Sky Sports Golf podcast, hosted weekly by Jamie Weir. The episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker, while video versions are posted on the Sky Sports Golf YouTube channel. The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship this year features a blend of seasoned Ryder Cup veterans and former major champions. Matt's brother Alex will join their mother Sue in the team competition, which unfolds across the historic courses of Carnoustie, Kingsbarns Golf Links, and the Old Course at St Andrews.
Defending champion Robert MacIntyre of Scotland returns to defend his title, while fellow Ryder Cup players Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, and Justin Rose also make the field. Past major winners Brooks Koepka and Cam Smith add further star power. Fans eager to follow the action can tune in to Sky Sports Golf for live coverage beginning Thursday at midday. The broadcast will provide real‑time updates, expert analysis, and insights into the evolving leaderboard.
For those without a traditional TV subscription, Sky Sports offers streaming options through NOW, allowing viewers to watch without a contract. Overall, Fitzpatrick's candid reflections reveal a player who is both confident in his current form and realistic about the work still required to reach the pinnacle of the sport. His blend of personal anecdotes, family involvement, and professional ambition paints a picture of a golfer who is not only chasing titles but also savoring the journey alongside the people who have supported him from the start. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on his performance in Scotland, where a strong showing could cement his place among the very best in the world and perhaps finally deliver the major‑championship breakthrough that has so far eluded him.