Matt Fitzpatrick is convinced that the stretch of golf he is currently enjoying represents the strongest period of his professional life. He voiced this confidence while preparing to tee off alongside his father at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, a tournament that brings together some of the sport's most celebrated names.
The Englishman recently secured his fourth global victory of the season, edging out the competition by three strokes to claim the FedEx Open de France title on Sunday. This triumph adds to a remarkable run that already includes three PGA Tour wins, underscoring a campaign that has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Although Fitzpatrick did not finish higher than 14th in any of the major championships during the 2026 season, his overall résumé remains impressive. He accumulated six top‑ten finishes worldwide in addition to his four victories, a consistency that he proudly cites as a hallmark of his year. "I’ve been contending a lot," he said, highlighting how regularly he has been in the mix at the sport's biggest events. During an appearance on the Sky Sports Golf podcast, Fitzpatrick declared, "This is the best period of golf I've played for sure.
2022 was right up there, but I've had three wins and now a fourth. The sustained consistency has been the biggest factor." He acknowledged that his major‑championship performances fell short of his ambitions, noting that a disappointing showing in the majors is a common frustration for any player who enters the season with high expectations. "The goal at the start of the year is to contend in the majors – those are what matter most," he explained. "I felt a couple of days off during three of the four majors, and in the final one I didn't execute my strategy well." Despite that disappointment, Fitzpatrick emphasized that the overall season remains a success.
"I have contended in a lot of tournaments, and that's all you could ask for in a year," he added, reinforcing his belief that frequent contention is a key indicator of a strong campaign. His latest victory 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 solid performance in Scotland could even lift him to a career‑high world ranking of No. 2, further cementing his status among the elite. When asked about areas for improvement, Fitzpatrick was candid about the ongoing work. "There are various bits and pieces we’ve looked at.
As we approach the end of the year, we’re deciding what the off‑season plan should be. We already have a few objectives in mind; it’s just a matter of structuring the approach," he said, indicating that fine‑tuning will continue even after a successful season.
Fitzpatrick's connection to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship runs deep. He captured the title in 2023, partnering with his mother, Sue, in the pro‑am component of the event. This year, he teamed up with his father, Russell, for the same competition, adding a familial dimension to the high‑stakes tournament.
He also reflected on his brother Alex's involvement, recalling their joint victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans earlier in the year, where the siblings paired up to win the team event. "I think he might get a few more strokes – he'd probably say that himself!" Fitzpatrick joked, referring to his father's potential impact on his game.
Looking ahead, Fitzpatrick expressed optimism about the upcoming rounds. "We’re going to need a big few days to get us in a good position.
Hopefully, Johan [Rupert, tournament organiser] doesn’t cut his handicap too much after this past week! He’s been playing nicely, and you never know – pressure can change things, but we’re there to enjoy ourselves," he said, underscoring the blend of competitive focus and family fun that defines his approach.
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 event also features Alex Fitzpatrick, who is partnering with their mother Sue in the team portion of the tournament. The competition takes place across three iconic Scottish venues: Carnoustie, Kingsbarns Golf Links, and the historic Old Course at St Andrews. Among the field are notable players such as defending champion Robert MacIntyre, fellow Ryder Cup teammates Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, and Justin Rose, as well as former major champions Brooks Koepka and Cam Smith.
The tournament promises high‑quality golf and a compelling battle for the title. Live coverage of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship begins on Thursday at midday on Sky Sports Golf. Fans can also explore the latest Sky Sports offers or stream the action without a contract via NOW.
The stage is set for an exciting showdown, and with Fitzpatrick in prime form, the competition is sure to be fierce.