Matt Fitzpatrick says he is currently enjoying the strongest run of golf in his professional life, a claim he made while preparing to tee off alongside his father at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. The Englishman’s confidence comes after a remarkable season that already includes a fourth global victory, secured with a three‑stroke win at the FedEx Open de France on Sunday. Prior to that triumph, Fitzpatrick had already collected three PGA Tour titles, underscoring a campaign that many observers are calling one of the most consistent of his career. Although Fitzpatrick did not break into the top 14 in any of the major championships in 2026, his overall record still shines.
He amassed six top‑10 finishes worldwide in addition to his four wins, a combination that has left him proud of the frequency with which he has been in contention. The consistency, he believes, is the key factor that separates this period from earlier phases of his career. "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 big thing, really." He went on to acknowledge that his major‑championship results this year fell short of his ambitions.
"Obviously that [a disappointing major season] is a disappointment. It's the goal of anyone at the start of the year to contend in the majors – those are what mean the most and those are what matter," he said. He explained that a few off‑days in three of the four majors and a mis‑executed strategy in the final one contributed to the under‑performance. Yet he emphasized that these setbacks do not diminish the overall quality of his season.
"At the same time, that doesn't really take anything away from the season as a whole. I have contended a lot in a lot of golf tournaments and that's all you could ask for in a year," Fitzpatrick added.
The recent victory at the French Open also 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 showing in Scotland could lift him to a career‑high world ranking of No. 2, a milestone that would further validate his claim of being in the best form of his life. When pressed about areas for improvement, Fitzpatrick was candid but measured.
"I think there are various bits and pieces that we've looked at. We're coming to the year‑end and making those decisions on what the off‑season plan needs to be," he explained. He noted that the team has already identified several targets for the next season, and the challenge now is to structure the off‑season work in a way that maximizes progress. Fitzpatrick’s family ties to the Dunhill Links event run deep.
He won the 2023 edition of the tournament’s pro‑am segment with his mother, Sue, as his partner. This year he is paired with his father, Russell, for the team competition. The father‑son duo shared a light‑hearted moment when Fitzpatrick joked, "I think he might get a few more strokes – he'd probably say that himself!" Their collaboration adds a personal narrative to an already prestigious event.
The tournament also features a unique family storyline on the other side of the fairways. Matt’s younger brother, Alex Fitzpatrick, is teaming up with their mother, Sue, in the same pro‑am competition. The sibling pair’s involvement highlights the close‑knit nature of the Fitzpatrick family’s relationship with the sport. Beyond the family drama, the field at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 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 are also in the mix. Former major champions Brooks Koepka and Cam Smith add further depth, making the tournament a true showcase of elite golf. Fitzpatrick also reflected on his recent success in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he partnered with his brother Alex to claim the title in April. "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 said, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of tournament conditions and the importance of staying adaptable. The Sky Sports Golf podcast, hosted weekly by Jamie Weir, will feature the full interview with Fitzpatrick, offering listeners deeper insight into his mindset, preparation routines, and outlook for the remainder of the season. Fans can subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker, and video versions of the podcast are available on the Sky Sports Golf YouTube channel.
Live coverage of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship begins Thursday at midday on Sky Sports Golf, with additional streaming options on NOW for viewers who prefer a contract‑free experience. As the tournament unfolds across the historic venues of Carnoustie, Kingsbarns Golf Links, and the iconic Old Course at St Andrews, all eyes will be on whether Fitzpatrick can translate his self‑proclaimed "best period" into yet another trophy, and how his family’s involvement might add an extra layer of motivation to his already impressive run.