Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick wins US Open

Fitzpatrick
Matt Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick hugged by his mum and dad.
Fitzpatrick hugged by his mum and dad.

Matt Fitzpatrick (27) from Sheffield England claims the US Open title with a one-shot victory at Brookline Country Club. Fitzpatrick shot two-under 68 for a six-under total to beat world number one Scottie Scheffler (67) and Wil Zalatoris (69) in a thrilling battle that went to the final hole, which will be remembered for the stunning shot he played from a fairway bunker on the 18th. A two-putt par was then enough to spark jubilation as his mum, dad and brother embraced him on the green. Fitzpatrick also won the US Amateur title as Brookline back in 2013 and joins Jack Nicklaus as the only two men to win both that and the US Open at the same venue – Nicklaus achieved the feat at Pebble Beach.

Master champion Scheffler, defending champion Jon Rahm and world number three Mcllroy were all within striking distance of joint overnight leaders Fitzpatrick and Zalatoris at the start of the final round in Massachusetts. Fitzpatrick produced birdies on the third and fifth holes while a nervy-looking Zalatoris had two bogeys to slip four shots behind the leading duo. On the 13th Fitzpatrick holed a 48-foot birdie putt to tie Zalatoris who made a clutch par save from 12 feet. On the 15th Fitzpatrick moved two clear when he made a birdie and Zalatoris a bogey, but the American cut that advantage in half with a birdie on 17 after another iron shot. Fitzpatrick, who hit 17 of 18 green with control and consistency, went on to hit his tee shot into a fairway bunker but escaped brilliantly through a two-putt par left Zalatoris needing a birdie to force a play-off, which the Texan failed to hole.

“It’s what you grow up dreaming of, and It’s something I’ve worked so hard for such a long time. I’ve got to give myself credit: I had so much patience”, said Fitzpatrick.