The City of Brotherly Love will see this sibling duo contend for the PGA Championship
The City of Brotherly Love will see this sibling duo contend for the PGA Championship
The City of Brotherly Love will – Philadelphia’s neighboring golf course, Aronimink, is set to host one of the most anticipated showdowns in professional sports this week. As the PGA Championship unfolds just a short drive from the City of Brotherly Love, the stage is primed for a dramatic contest between two English siblings who have transformed their dynamic from sibling rivalry to shared triumph. Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick, separated by nearly five years in age, are now both vying for major titles, with Alex’s recent momentum making him a formidable contender in the second men’s major of the year.
A Rivalry Turned into Triumph
Last month, the Fitzpatrick brothers made history at the Zurich Classic, where they secured an emotional victory as a team. The win marked a pivotal moment for Alex, who, just weeks earlier, had earned his PGA Tour card through 2028. This breakthrough came after a career-defining victory in India, which set the stage for his rapid ascent on the U.S. circuit. Meanwhile, Matt, who had already claimed three titles in four tournaments, has watched his younger brother’s meteoric rise with pride and admiration.
“It’s kind of really hard to describe. If someone had told me you’d win your first DP World Tour event and then a couple of weeks later you’d win on the PGA Tour, I’d have never ever believed you,” Alex Fitzpatrick told CNN Sports this week.
Despite the thrill of success, Alex admits the journey has been anything but straightforward. Growing up under the spotlight of his older brother’s achievements—particularly Matt’s 2022 U.S. Open triumph—has required resilience. For years, the headlines centered on Matt, but the recent surge in Alex’s performance has shifted the narrative. “Everything has changed,” the 27-year-old from Sheffield added, reflecting on the sudden transformation of his career trajectory.
A Turbulent Road to the PGA Tour
Before this PGA Championship, Alex’s path was anything but smooth. Just days prior to his breakthrough win in New Orleans, he was scheduled to travel to Turkey for a competing event. That trip was abandoned, allowing him to focus on his first two PGA Tour starts, which yielded top-10 finishes. These results have not only solidified his place on the tour but also positioned him as a rising star in the sport. Meanwhile, Matt’s performance has been equally impressive, with a tied-for-ninth finish at the Cadillac Championship and a fourth-place result this past Sunday in North Carolina.
The younger Fitzpatrick’s recent success has also redefined his relationship with his brother. While Matt’s achievements once overshadowed Alex’s, the shift in momentum has created a new balance. “It’s very strange. I grew up following him around. That was kind of what I did when I was young. I got taken to all the tournaments. I wanted to stay at home and be with my friends, but my parents made me come to some of the tournaments before I started getting into them, so I kind of got dragged around a little bit as a kid, but not in a bad way,” Alex reflected.
Now, the roles have reversed. Matt, who once dominated the conversation, finds himself in a different position. “I’m probably known as Alex’s brother now, as opposed to him being Matt’s brother,” Matt shared with reporters at Aronimink Golf Club, acknowledging the unusual dynamic. The older brother’s perspective is one of genuine support, as he encourages Alex to take ownership of his career. “I’d so much rather have these questions, conversations, than the opposite of why he is not playing well,” Matt said, highlighting his willingness to step aside and let his younger sibling shine.
The Weight of Expectation and the Burden of Legacy
Alex’s rise has not come without challenges. The pressure of living in Matt’s shadow, especially during their early years, often felt overwhelming. “It’s never easy growing up in the shadow of your older brother, especially when he’s the 2022 U.S. Open winner,” he noted. Yet, Alex has navigated this pressure with determination, using it as fuel rather than a hindrance. His first major appearance in the 2023 Open Championship was a testament to that resolve, where he finished tied for 17th—four shots better than his brother.
For Matt, the shift in focus has been both exciting and humbling. “I’m both impressed and ‘super proud’ of Alex’s recent achievements,” he said, expressing his admiration for his brother’s progress. The elder Fitzpatrick’s pride is palpable, as he recognizes the personal growth and professional milestones Alex has reached. This mutual respect is evident in their interactions, as both players acknowledge the significance of their shared success.
The PGA Championship, with its $20 million prize pool and prestige as one of golf’s most coveted titles, offers a unique opportunity for both brothers. Alex enters the event in strong form, having demonstrated consistency in recent weeks. His performance at the Cadillac Championship and the Open Championship has hinted at a potential breakthrough, while Matt’s experience and past success provide a different kind of confidence. The competition is now personal, but the brothers have managed to maintain a supportive relationship despite the stakes.
A Family Legacy in the Making
As the tournament approaches, the Fitzpatrick brothers are emboldened by their recent accomplishments. Alex’s win in Louisiana not only earned him a place in the PGA Tour’s elite events but also a chance to compete for a major title. This marks a significant milestone for a player who once dreamed of such opportunities. “The majors are the biggest events of the year. That was one of the goals of this year, to try and get into a major and I didn’t know how I was going to do it but they’re the most amazing events,” Alex explained, underscoring the importance of these competitions in his career.
For Matt, watching Alex’s evolution has been a rewarding experience. He credits his brother’s resilience and work ethic for their shared success, while also recognizing the unique challenges of their relationship. “So, it’s a fantastic position to be in, and I’ve said already, it’s his career. It’s his choice. I’ll be there to help him as much as I can, if he wants that,” Matt emphasized, highlighting his role as a mentor rather than a competitor.
As the PGA Championship begins, the Fitzpatricks’ story serves as a reminder of the power of family bonds in sports. Their journey from sibling rivalry to mutual support has been remarkable, and now, they stand on the cusp of a historic moment. Whether they emerge as champions or not, their dynamic illustrates the balance between competition and collaboration, making their presence at the tournament as compelling as the event itself.