The US PGA Championship is set to be a thrilling affair, with Matt Fitzpatrick aiming to etch his name in golf history. With a 107-year wait for an English winner at this prestigious tournament, Fitzpatrick is determined to shatter this record. His recent form is nothing short of remarkable, with three wins in his past five starts and over $10.5 million in earnings this year, making it his best start to a campaign on the PGA Tour. This surge in performance has propelled him to the top of the world rankings, with only Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Cameron Young ahead of him.
Fitzpatrick's current form is a stark contrast to his struggles a year ago. He arrived at Quail Hollow without a top-20 finish on tour and ranked 85th in the world. However, his statistics this year paint a different picture. He leads the PGA Tour in strokes gained off the tee, strokes gained from tee to green, and strokes gained approaching the green, all of which are crucial indicators of a player's form. Despite not being among the longest drivers, Fitzpatrick excels in accuracy, which will be a significant advantage at Aronimink, a course known for its fairway bunkers.
One area of concern is his putting, where he is ranked 99th on the PGA Tour. However, historical statistics suggest that his putting has been one of his strongest suits, as he has consistently ranked in the top 30 in strokes gained with the putter over the past four seasons. This paradox highlights the complexity of golf and the need to balance different skills.
Fitzpatrick's success has also been accompanied by his younger brother Alex's rise to prominence. Alex's pairs win in New Orleans earned him a two-year PGA Tour card, and he has been consistently performing well. The siblings' contrasting approaches to the game are intriguing. While Matt is data-driven and meticulous, Alex is more of a free-flowing player, creating his own path without being overly analytical. This dynamic adds an interesting layer to their sibling rivalry.
As Fitzpatrick teases at the prospect of ending the long wait for an English winner, the US PGA Championship promises to be a captivating event. With his current form and the support of his brother, Fitzpatrick is well-positioned to make a strong challenge. The tournament will undoubtedly be a showcase of skill, strategy, and the unpredictable nature of golf, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the outcome.
