Matt Fitzpatrick is convinced that he is currently enjoying the strongest spell of golf in his professional life, a sentiment he voiced while preparing to tee off alongside his father at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. The Englishman recently added a fourth global triumph to his résumé, edging out the competition by three strokes to claim the FedEx Open de France on Sunday.
This victory follows three earlier wins on the PGA Tour, marking an impressive run that has seen him dominate the circuit throughout the season. Although Fitzpatrick did not break into the top 14 at any of the major championships in 2026, his consistency elsewhere has been remarkable. He has logged six top‑ten finishes worldwide in addition to his four victories, a record that fills him with pride and underscores how frequently he has been in contention.
"This is the best period of golf I've played for sure," he told the Sky Sports Golf podcast, noting that 2022 was also a standout year but emphasizing the value of sustained performance. "I’ve collected three wins and now a fourth. The key has been that consistent level of play." He was candid about his disappointment in the majors, explaining that every player enters the season with the goal of competing in those marquee events because they carry the most weight.
"It’s a let‑down not to have delivered in the majors this year. I felt a few days off during three of the four tournaments, and in the final one my strategy fell flat," he admitted. Nevertheless, he insisted that the overall season remains a success.
"I’ve been in the mix at a lot of tournaments, and that’s all you can ask for over a year." Fitzpatrick’s latest triumph has 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. At 32, a strong performance in Scotland could see him ascend to a career‑high world ranking of No. 2. When pressed about areas for improvement, he acknowledged that there are several aspects the team is reviewing as the season winds down.
"We’re looking at a number of bits and pieces and will decide on the off‑season plan soon. There are a few targets we’ve already identified; it’s just a matter of structuring the approach," he explained. Fitzpatrick’s connection to the Dunhill Links event runs deep.
He captured the title in 2023 alongside his mother, Sue, in the pro‑am competition, and this year he is paired with his father, Russell, for the main tournament. He joked that his dad might claim a few extra strokes, saying, "He’d probably say that himself!" The family dynamic adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the competition.
Earlier in the season, Matt also teamed up with his brother, Alex Fitzpatrick, to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, showcasing the family’s collective talent on the course. Reflecting on the upcoming rounds, he said, "We’ll need a solid few days to position ourselves well. Hopefully Johan—who organizes the event—doesn’t lower his handicap too much after last week’s play.
He’s been playing nicely, but pressure can change things. We’re here to have fun and enjoy the experience." Listeners can catch 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 team element of this year's Dunhill Links sees Matt’s brother Alex joining their mother Sue, forming a family trio that will compete across the iconic venues of Carnoustie, Kingsbarns Golf Links, and the Old Course at St Andrews.
Defending champion Robert MacIntyre of Scotland returns to defend his title, and the field is stacked with Ryder Cup stalwarts such as Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, and Justin Rose. Past major winners including Brooks Koepka and Cam Smith also add depth to the competition.
Fans eager to see who will emerge victorious at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship can tune in for live coverage starting Thursday at midday on Sky Sports Golf. For those looking for flexible viewing options, Sky Sports offers streaming deals with no contract required via NOW.
The tournament promises high‑quality golf, family storylines, and the ever‑present drama of world‑class players vying for the coveted title.