How the Fitzpatricks Made Golf History in New Orleans

By VirentaNews Staff — April 27, 2026

In one of the most emotionally charged finishes in recent PGA Tour history, Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick held their nerve on the back nine at TPC Louisiana to win the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans by a single stroke. This victory marks the first time siblings have won together on the PGA Tour since the Plummer brothers in 1990, ending a 34-year drought and etching their names into golf’s storied legacy. The win not only delivers Matt another high-profile triumph but grants Alex a coveted two-year exemption on tour—an achievement no amount of junior success or European Tour experience could guarantee. As the brothers embraced on the 18th green, the significance of their accomplishment resonated across the golf world: a familial bond translated into professional triumph at the highest level.

A Win Decades in the Making

The Zurich Classic, traditionally a team event that pairs PGA Tour professionals, has seen its share of dominant duos—from world-beaters like Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman to surprise packages such as Billy Horschel and Scott Piercy. But the 2024 edition stands apart, not for power-hitting or birdie barrages, but for the quiet determination of two brothers who grew up practicing side by side on the greens of Sheffield, England. Matt, a former U.S. Amateur champion and multiple-time PGA Tour winner, brought experience and composure, while Alex, long overshadowed by his older sibling’s accolades, proved he belongs among the game’s elite. Their victory comes at a time when team formats are gaining popularity, and family narratives are increasingly resonant in a sport often defined by individualism. This win, therefore, is symbolic as much as it is statistical.

From Sheffield to New Orleans

The Fitzpatrick brothers’ journey to victory was forged in the unglamorous grind of northern England’s golf academies. Matt, 29, has long been recognized for his meticulous ball-striking and course management, traits that helped him win the 2022 U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline. Alex, 26, has carved his own path—winning twice on the DP World Tour and representing Europe in the 2023 Ryder Cup. Paired together for the first time in a professional event, the siblings entered the Zurich Classic ranked 18th in team odds, hardly favorites among a field packed with major champions and fan favorites. Yet, they surged with a bogey-free 63 in the better-ball round and followed it with a disciplined alternate-shot performance on the weekend, culminating in a tense final nine where they narrowly avoided disaster at the par-3 17th and closed with a two-putt par on 18.

Behind the Numbers

Statistically, the Fitzpatricks’ success stemmed from consistency rather than flair. They ranked third in strokes gained: tee-to-green and fifth in scrambling, but it was their collective composure that set them apart. On the back nine Sunday, they faced down a charging team from Canada—Corey Conners and Adam Hadwin—who cut a three-shot deficit to one with birdies on 15 and 16. The pressure mounted when Matt missed a short par putt on 17, but Alex responded with a 12-foot save to keep the lead intact. According to PGA Tour analytics, the brothers gained 4.2 strokes on the field in putting over 72 holes, a critical edge in a tournament where scoring was tightly bunched. Their synergy on the course—calling clubs in unison, sharing caddies, and deferring to each other in tense moments—reflected a rare blend of trust and tactical discipline.

A New Benchmark for Team Golf

The victory has immediate implications for both players, but especially for Alex. The two-year exemption removes the pressure of Q-School or conditional status, allowing him to focus on building a consistent PGA Tour presence. For Matt, it reinforces his status as one of the most reliable performers in the game, now with a unique team accolade to complement his major title. Beyond the individual benefits, the win may inspire more sibling and familial pairings in future editions of the Zurich Classic. While team events remain a niche format, this victory underscores the psychological advantage of deep personal bonds—something no draft algorithm or analytics model can replicate. Golf fans, long accustomed to narratives of solitary struggle, may now embrace the power of partnership.

Expert Perspectives

“Sibling dynamics can be volatile in competitive sports, but the Fitzpatricks showed remarkable emotional control,” said golf psychologist Dr. Deborah Graham in an interview with BBC Sport. “They didn’t celebrate too early, didn’t blame each other—they behaved like a seasoned doubles team.” Others caution against overstatement. “This is a one-off format,” noted veteran golf analyst Mark Broadhurst. “Success here doesn’t guarantee individual wins, especially for Alex on a deeper PGA Tour schedule.” Still, few dispute that the brothers maximized their opportunity with precision and unity.

Looking ahead, the big question is whether the Fitzpatricks will reunite for next year’s Zurich Classic. With Matt likely to pursue more individual opportunities and Alex adjusting to full-time PGA Tour life, their partnership may remain a singular highlight. Yet their victory has already redefined what’s possible in team golf, proving that sometimes, the longest drives aren’t as powerful as shared purpose. As the tour moves toward more experimental formats, the Fitzpatrick blueprint—a blend of kinship, discipline, and nerve—may become the gold standard.

Source: Sky Sports