Matt Fitzpatrick says he is currently experiencing the strongest phase of his professional golf journey, a sentiment he voiced while preparing to tee off alongside his father at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. The Englishman recently secured his fourth global victory of the season, edging out the competition by three strokes to win the FedEx Open de France on Sunday.
This triumph adds to an already impressive résumé that includes three PGA Tour wins earlier in the year, underscoring a campaign that has been both prolific and consistent. Although Fitzpatrick did not finish higher than 14th in any of the major championships in 2026, his overall performance has been remarkable. He recorded six top‑ten finishes on the world stage in addition to his four victories, a record that he proudly cites as evidence of his regular contention in elite tournaments.
The consistency he has displayed, according to Fitzpatrick, is the cornerstone of his success. "This is the best period of golf I've played for sure," he 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 acknowledged that his major‑championship results fell short of his aspirations, noting that a disappointing showing in the majors is a setback for any player.
"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 in three of the four majors, and in the final one I didn't execute my strategy well." Despite the disappointment, Fitzpatrick emphasized that the overall season remains a success.
"I've contended a lot in a lot of tournaments, and that's all you could ask for in a year," he said, reinforcing his belief that frequent contention is a key indicator of a strong season. His latest win 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 solid performance in Scotland could also push him to a career‑high world ranking of No.
2, highlighting the significance of the upcoming Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. When asked about potential areas for improvement, Fitzpatrick replied, "There are various 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 objectives already set; it's just a matter of how we structure and execute them." Fitzpatrick's connection to the Dunhill Links event runs deep. He captured the 2023 title with his mother, Sue, as his partner in the pro‑am team competition, and this year he will be paired with his father, Russell.
The family dynamic adds a personal touch to the tournament, which also features his brother Alex teaming up with their mother in the team portion. "I think he might get a few more strokes – he'd probably say that himself!" Fitzpatrick laughed, referring to his father's potential performance. He also reflected on his own recent success at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he partnered with brother Alex to claim the title in April. Looking ahead, Fitzpatrick expressed optimism about the upcoming rounds, noting, "We’re going to need a big few days to get us into a solid position.
Hopefully, the tournament organizer doesn’t cut his handicap too much after this past week! He's been playing nicely, and you never know how pressure will affect things, but we’re there to enjoy ourselves." The full interview can be heard on the latest edition of the Sky Sports Golf podcast, hosted weekly by Jamie Weir, and is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker. Video versions are posted on the Sky Sports Golf YouTube channel. The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship this year will see Alex Fitzpatrick partnering with their mother Sue in the team competition, which takes place across three iconic courses: Carnoustie, Kingsbarns Golf Links, and the Old Course at St Andrews.
Defending champion Robert MacIntyre will return to defend his title, while a strong field includes Ryder Cup veterans Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, and Justin Rose, as well as past major champions Brooks Koepka and Cam Smith. Fans can catch live coverage starting Thursday at midday on Sky Sports Golf, with streaming options available through NOW for those who prefer an ad‑free, contract‑free experience.
The tournament promises high‑stakes drama, family stories, and a showcase of some of the best talent in modern golf, making it a must‑watch event for enthusiasts worldwide.