The US PGA Championship is set to be a thrilling affair, with Matt Fitzpatrick aiming to etch his name in golf history. With a 107-year wait for an English winner at this prestigious event, Fitzpatrick is determined to shatter this record. His recent form is nothing short of remarkable, with three wins in his last five starts and over $10.5 million in earnings this year, marking his best start to a campaign on the PGA Tour.
What's even more impressive is his position in the world rankings, with only Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Cameron Young ahead of him. This places him in a strong position to challenge for the major title. Fitzpatrick's recent victories include a second-place finish at the Players Championship, a win at the Valspar Championship, and a strong showing at the Masters, where he finished in the top 10. His performance at the RBC Heritage, where he defeated Scheffler in a playoff, further cements his dominance.
But it's not just his individual achievements that are noteworthy. Fitzpatrick's success has been accompanied by his younger brother, Alex, who has also been making waves. Their pairs' win in New Orleans earned Alex a two-year PGA Tour card, and he has since climbed the rankings, currently sitting at 83rd. The siblings' shared passion for golf is evident, with Matt praising Alex's performance and the unique dynamic they share.
One of the key factors in Fitzpatrick's rise to the top is his exceptional statistics. He leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained off the tee, strokes gained from tee to green, and strokes gained approaching the green, all of which are crucial indicators of a player's form. Despite not being among the longest drivers, Fitzpatrick excels in accuracy, which will be vital at Aronimink, a course known for its fairway bunkers. However, his putting has been a concern, ranking 99th on the PGA Tour, but historical statistics suggest this is one of his strongest suits.
Fitzpatrick's data-driven approach to golf is evident in his detailed notes after every shot, a method that has contributed to his success. While he values numbers, he also emphasizes the importance of not being over-analytical, a balance that has served him well. As he prepares to take on the US PGA Championship, Fitzpatrick's confidence and form make him a formidable contender, and his story adds an intriguing layer to the tournament's rich history.
