Full Breakdown
Fitzpatrick Brothers Surge at Zurich Classic Amid Calls to Revise Final-Round Format
4/25/2026, 12:48:00 PM
Background & Event Format
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is the PGA Tour’s sole team tournament. Teams play four-ball (best-ball) in the first and third rounds and alternate-shot foursomes in the second and final rounds. The 2026 purse was raised to $9.5 million, with the winning pair sharing roughly $1.372 million, each earning 400 FedExCup points (no OWGR points). Winners also gain entry to the 2027 Players Championship, PGA Championship and a two-year exemption at the Zurich Classic.
Performance Overview & Data
Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick opened with a 64 in the four-ball round, six shots behind the leaders. After a disappointing finish on the 18th, they rebounded in Friday’s foursomes, posting a 7-under 65 that lifted them to a tie for second at 15 under, just one stroke behind leaders Alex Smalley/Hayden Springer (-16). The round vaulted the brothers up 28 spots on the leaderboard. The cut was set at 10 under; the top 33 teams and ties advanced. Shane Lowry and Brooks Koepka missed the cut by one shot (9 under). The event’s prize distribution, FedExCup points and exemption stakes heighten the competitive pressure.
Official Statements & Responses
Matt Fitzpatrick said the foursomes format feels “tough” and that “four-ball on the final round would give more excitement for the fans on a Sunday.” He added that the alternate-shot format “makes it more difficult” but praised the brothers’ Friday play as “great” and “solid all around.” Alex Fitzpatrick agreed, noting that “playing four-ball as the last round might be more exciting” and emphasizing the personal significance of a win, which would secure a two-year PGA Tour exemption for him.
Criticism & Opposition
Matt also observed that “more birdies equals more excitement” is not always true, arguing that some fans enjoy watching players struggle. The inherent difficulty of foursomes—fewer shots, stop-start rhythm, and limited birdie opportunities—has drawn criticism from players who feel it can diminish spectator appeal.
Verbatim Quotes
- “MORE ZURICH CLASSIC OF NEW ORLEANS STORIES “I do think foursomes is probably a bit better from a feeling-wise,“ the 32-year-old admitted.” — Matt Fitzpatrick, 2022 U.S. Open champion
- “Photo by Chris Graythen/ “I was saying to Dan on the last one, I think it would be nice to have four-ball on the final round.” — Matt Fitzpatrick
- “I felt we played great today. We barely missed a shot,” — Matt Fitzpatrick, after Friday’s round
- “Yeah, really disappointing way to end with two balls in perfect position. It’s not good enough, really.” — Matt Fitzpatrick, after the opening round
- “It would obviously mean a lot. I think the thing is you can't force it,” — Alex Fitzpatrick, on the impact of a Zurich Classic victory
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
None of the sources contain an official PGA Tour response to the Fitzpatricks’ format suggestion, leaving the tour’s stance unclear. Additionally, while the brothers advocate for a four-ball final round, sources do not specify whether they propose a permanent change or a one-off adjustment for this event.
Why It Matters
A format shift could alter the tournament’s spectator dynamics, potentially increasing birdie-rich finishes. For the Fitzpatrick brothers, a win would grant Alex a two-year PGA Tour exemption, entry to marquee events, and a pathway to further career advancement, while reinforcing Matt’s momentum after recent victories at the Valspar Championship and RBC Heritage.
What’s Next
Sunday’s final round will revert to foursomes, where teams must balance aggressive play with the risk of costly errors. The Fitzpatrick pair will aim to capitalize on their Friday surge, while the broader discussion about altering the final-round format may surface in post-tournament PGA Tour meetings.
