‘I’ve eclipsed golden period’ – why Fitzpatrick is in US PGA frame
‘I’ve eclipsed golden period’ – why Fitzpatrick is in US PGA frame
I ve eclipsed golden period – At the age of 31, Matt Fitzpatrick has positioned himself as the most promising English contender in the upcoming US PGA Championship. The tournament, set to take place at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania from Thursday to Sunday, marks the first time in over a century that an Englishman could claim victory. Jim Barnes, the last English winner, triumphed at the inaugural PGA Championship in 1916 and again in 1919, a feat that has remained unbroken until now. Fitzpatrick, hailing from Sheffield, believes his current form places him in a stronger position than ever before to break this historic streak.
Fitzpatrick’s resurgence on the PGA Tour has been remarkable. In 2026, he has already secured three wins in his last five tournaments, with a total of more than $10.5 million in prize money. His performance has propelled him to a high-ranking position in the world standings, surpassing only Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Cameron Young. The player, who previously described 2022 as his “golden period,” now asserts that this season has outperformed that era. “The start of this year has definitely eclipsed that because of the results and the underlying numbers themselves have been better,” Fitzpatrick said, reflecting on his trajectory.
Fitzpatrick’s success has been consistent across multiple events. His second-place finish at the Players Tournament in March was followed by a PGA Tour victory at the Valspar Championship and a strong showing at the Masters in April, the first major of the year. He then extended his winning streak by defeating Scottie Scheffler in a play-off at the RBC Heritage, before adding further momentum with a notable doubles win alongside his brother Alex at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. This achievement not only marked history as the first brothers to win a PGA Tour event but also signaled a turning point in Fitzpatrick’s career.
Shifting Dynamics in Performance
Comparing Fitzpatrick’s journey to the previous year reveals a striking contrast. In 2025, he arrived at Quail Hollow for the PGA Championship without a top-20 finish on the tour and ranked 85th in the world. However, this year’s statistics tell a different story. Fitzpatrick is currently among the top five on the PGA Tour for strokes gained off the tee, strokes gained from tee to green, and strokes gained approaching the green—key metrics that reflect a player’s overall competitiveness. His accuracy, while not placing him among the longest drivers, has seen him ranked sixth in that category, which is particularly advantageous at Aronimink, a course known for its challenging fairway bunkers.
Despite his strong showing in other areas, Fitzpatrick acknowledges a potential vulnerability in his putting. Entering the tournament, he is ranked 99th on the PGA Tour in this category, a concern he attributes to the greens at Aronimink. “The greens are going to be the defence,” he remarked, yet historical data suggests his putting remains one of his strongest assets. Over the past four seasons, he has consistently ranked in the top 30 for strokes gained with the putter, a testament to his reliability under pressure.
Fitzpatrick’s rise has been mirrored by his younger sibling, Alex, whose performance has also surged. After earning a two-year PGA Tour card through their historic doubles victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Alex has led after 54 holes in recent tournaments and placed fourth in last week’s Truist Championship. Matt, who has long been recognized for his meticulous approach—writing detailed notes after every shot—notes the difference in their methodologies. “He is messy,” Matt joked, recalling their shared living space during a recent event. “We shared a bathroom last week, and it was a little bit messier than my side of the bathroom.”
A Brother’s Influence and Shared Ambitions
While Alex’s rise has captured attention, Matt emphasizes that his own success is a product of his unique approach to the game. “I’ve been impressed more than anything,” he said of his brother’s progress. “I’m super proud of him for how he’s been playing. I’m probably known as Alex’s brother now, as opposed to him being Matt’s brother.” This dynamic highlights the evolving roles within the Fitzpatrick family, with Alex now standing as a rising star in his own right.
Alex’s journey from 203rd in the world rankings at the end of 2025 to 83rd today underscores the impact of their combined efforts. Their joint-17th place finish at the 2023 Open Championship in Hoylake, though not a victory, served as a springboard for both players. Now, with Matt competing in the US PGA Championship, the brothers are poised to test their skills on a stage that could elevate their careers. “We have not really been in contention yet together, but I would imagine it’s going to be a weird feeling when that time does come,” Matt admitted, hinting at the possibility of future collaboration.
The tournament’s timing also adds to the excitement. With live text commentary starting on Thursday and Friday at 12:30 BST, and rounds three and four on Saturday and Sunday at 17:00, fans will have ample opportunity to follow Fitzpatrick’s progress. For those seeking audio updates, live radio commentary will broadcast Saturday’s round three at 20:00 BST on Sports Extra and Sunday’s final round at the same time on 5 Live. These details ensure the event remains accessible to a global audience, amplifying the stakes for a player on the cusp of a major breakthrough.
Fitzpatrick’s journey is a compelling narrative of resilience and evolution. After overcoming a slow start in 2025, his 2026 season has seen him refine his game through data analysis and consistent performance. The 2022 US Open victory, a milestone that once defined his career, now appears as a stepping stone toward greater achievements. As he prepares to compete at Aronimink, the pressure is on to translate his form into a historic win. Whether it’s the greens, fairways, or the mental edge that will determine his success, Fitzpatrick’s determination and skill suggest he is ready to make his mark.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Glory
The US PGA Championship offers more than just a chance to end a 107-year English drought—it is a platform for Fitzpatrick to solidify his status as one of the sport’s top contenders. His ability to adapt to different course conditions, coupled with his strong putting history, positions him well for the challenge. While the course may test his short game, his overall performance metrics indicate he has the tools to overcome obstacles. The tournament’s format, featuring four rounds of intense competition, will demand both physical and mental endurance, qualities Fitzpatrick has demonstrated throughout his season.
As the event approaches, the focus remains on Fitzpatrick’s trajectory. His journey from a relatively unremarkable 2025 to a dominant 2026 reflects a combination of personal dedication and strategic adjustments. The data-driven approach that has become his hallmark—analyzing every shot and refining his technique—has paid dividends, as evidenced by his recent victories. Yet, his confidence in his current form suggests he is not merely relying on past success but is actively seeking new heights. “I’m trying to cherish it as much as possible,” he said, “because it’s all happening very quickly.”
The culmination of his efforts could not only rewrite history for English golf but also establish Fitzpatrick as a perennial contender in major tournaments. With the spotlight on Aronimink, his performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Whether he can maintain his momentum and convert it into a major title remains to be seen, but the signs so far point to a player who is finally in the right place at the right time. For the Fitzpatrick brothers, this tournament represents a shared dream—a chance to prove that their combined talent can lead to unprecedented success in the world of professional golf.