rewrite this title Zurich Classic of New Orleans: Matt Fitzpatrick and brother Alex hold on for historic victory

Matt Fitzpatrick and his younger brother Alex overcame a nervy back nine to clinch a historic victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, one which earns the latter a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

The Fitzpatricks became the first brothers to ever win on the PGA Tour as they birdied the 18th to secure a one-stroke victory in dramatic fashion, Matt’s third of 2026.

The world No 3 has enjoyed a stellar few months which has seen him edged out in a play-off at The Players Championship, before wins at the Valspar and RBC Heritage either side of a top-20 finish at The Masters.

Matt Fitzpatrick’s latest success means he is the first Englishman to win three or more times in a year on the PGA Tour and takes him top of the 2026 FedExCup standings.

Alex Fitzpatrick has also been in excellent form of late, winning his maiden DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in March.

With his and his brother’s victory at the Zurich Classic, the 27-year-old immediately receives a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour through 2028, along with entries into the next four signature events, 2026 PGA Championship and the 2027 Players Championship.

“It won’t sink in yet. It’s as good as it gets,” Alex Fitzpatrick told Sky Sports’ Rich Beem. “It’s amazing to be here with him [Matt], mum and dad. A lot of hard work; I can’t believe we’ve done it.”

The siblings actually somewhat stumbled over the finishing line on Sunday. Having posted a tournament-record four-ball score of 57 the day prior, they looked to be cruising to victory at three-under through the first 11 holes of the final foursomes – until double-bogeying the 12th.

Another bogey followed at 14, before Matt Fitzpatrick somewhat stopped the rot by holing a crucial par putt at 15.

American pair Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, as well as Norwegians Kristoffer Reitan and Kris Ventura had set the clubhouse target at 30 under, with the Fitzpatricks needing a birdie at the 18th to take the title.

Alex hit a poor second shot into the bunker, but Matt’s chip out was a stunning effort to about two feet to set up their victory.

“It was a struggle,” Matt Fitzpatrick said. “I was doing absolutely zero to help him [Alex]. Apart from the putt on 15, I wasn’t really providing much support.

“He was fantastic on that back nine. As he was yesterday as well.

“I said ‘just give us a chance at the last’, and to hit a bunker shot like that, it was nice to give him an easy tap in there.”

What is the Zurich Class and its format?

The Zurich Classic is the lone team event on the PGA Tour calendar, with teams competing in a four-ball format during the first and third rounds, where each golfer plays their own ball – with the lowest score on each hole counting.

The second and final rounds move take the foursomes format, which sees players alternate shots using only one ball. The total strokes taken results in the team’s score for each hole, with players alternating tee shots throughout the round.

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