Full Breakdown
Fitzpatrick Brothers Make History at the Zurich Classic
4/28/2026, 5:09:48 AM
Historic Victory in New Orleans
On April 26 2026, English brothers Matt Fitzpatrick (31) and Alex Fitzpatrick (27) won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the PGA Tour’s only official team event, by one stroke. Playing alternate-shot format at TPC Louisiana, they posted a 1-under-71 in the final round for a tournament-record 31-under-257 total. The win secured Alex’s first PGA Tour title and granted him a full Tour card through 2028, along with entry to the PGA Championship, the Players Championship, and the remaining Signature Events of the season.
Background & Context
The Zurich Classic pairs a two-player team in foursomes after a four-ball opening round. The Fitzpatricks entered the final day with a four-stroke lead, built on a Saturday four-ball record of 57. Matt had already captured two PGA Tour titles earlier in the spring (Valspar Championship and RBC Heritage), while Alex was a European-Tour regular with a recent DP World Tour win.
Key Figures & Groups
- Matt Fitzpatrick – 2022 U.S. Open champion, world No. 3 at the time, three-time PGA Tour winner in the 2026 season.
- Alex Fitzpatrick – European-Tour player, ranked 141st globally before the event.
- Sue Fitzpatrick – Mother, present on the 18th-green.
- Russell Fitzpatrick – Father, observed from the ropes.
- Competing teams: Kristoffer Reitan/Kristoffer Ventura (Norway), Alex Smalley/Hayden Springer (USA).
Data & Statistics
- Winning score: 31-under-257 (tournament record).
- Final-hole birdie secured by Matt’s 35-foot bunker shot, leaving a two-foot tap-in for Alex.
- Prize: $2,745,500 total; $1,372,750 per player.
- FedEx Cup points: 400 each.
- Alex earned a two-year PGA Tour exemption, a PGA Championship invitation, and a Players Championship invitation.
Impact & Significance
The victory made the Fitzpatricks the 13th brother pair to each win on the PGA Tour and the first to do so together in two decades. Alex’s exemption provides job security and access to high-profile events, altering his career trajectory. Matt’s win extended his dominant spring, moving him to the top of the 2026 FedEx Cup standings.
Official Statements & Responses
Matt described the win as “incredible” and emphasized the emotional weight of succeeding with his brother. Alex characterized the moment as “life-changing” and noted the physical shock he felt after the putt. Sue expressed pride, calling the finish “brilliant.” Both brothers highlighted the collaborative effort despite a back-nine slump that erased their lead before the decisive shot.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting commentary or criticism was identified in the available reports.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the final score, prize distribution, and benefits awarded; no contradictory information was found.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To win a team event on the PGA Tour with my brother — I don’t know if it does gets better than that,” — Matt Fitzpatrick, U.S. Open champion
- “I couldn't feel my hands. I couldn't feel my legs. I couldn't feel anything,” — Alex Fitzpatrick, European-Tour player
- “Amazing to have them win together. It's been brilliant,” — Sue Fitzpatrick, mother
- “It’s amazing to be here with him, my mum and dad.” — Alex Fitzpatrick (BBC interview)
- “I was doing absolutely zero to help him. Apart from the [8-foot par] putt I made on 15 there, I wasn’t really providing much support. He was fantastic on the back nine, as he was yesterday as well.” — Matt Fitzpatrick (post-round interview)
- “I couldn’t have placed it on a better tee,” — Matt Fitzpatrick, describing the 18th-hole bunker shot
What’s Next
Alex will debut on the PGA Tour at the Cadillac Championship in Miami, followed by the Truist Championship, Memorial Tournament, and Travelers Championship. Matt, now leading the FedEx Cup, will target the upcoming majors, beginning with the PGA Championship at Aronimink. Both brothers remain on the leaderboard for the remainder of the 2026 season.
