Fitzpatrick Brothers Surge at Zurich Classic with Strong Friday Round
In the second round of the 2026 Zurich Classic of Fresh Orleans, brothers Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick delivered a 7-under 65 in alternate-shot play to move within one shot of the tournament lead. Their performance on Friday built upon an impressive 8-under 64 from the opening round, positioning them strongly for the weekend ahead.
The Fitzpatricks began the day with momentum from their individual successes—Matt having secured two PGA Tour victories earlier in the 2026 season, including a playoff win at the RBC Heritage, even as Alex captured his maiden DP World Tour title earlier in the year. This background contributed to their cohesive performance in the foursomes format.
According to Matt Fitzpatrick, the team played exceptionally well, stating, “We barely missed a shot. We made the putts when we needed to, made some good birdie looks, and yeah, just felt like we played really solid all around today.” This sentiment was echoed in their execution, as they recorded birdies on multiple holes, including the par-4 5th and par-7th, with only a single bogey on the third hole during their round.
The brothers’ round featured a strong start on the back nine, where they made two birdies and an eagle on their first nine holes before continuing their momentum with back-to-back birdies on holes 1 and 2 after turning. Their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities while minimizing errors proved critical in their ascent up the leaderboard.
Alex Fitzpatrick highlighted the collaborative nature of their success, particularly on the greens, noting that his brother’s meticulous green-reading routine—described as including a near-prone position for ground-level visibility—played a key role in their putting performance. “I didn’t feel like I did much. (Matt) read the putts for me, and I just keep listening to him, and they go in,” Alex said, underscoring the trust and synchronization between the siblings.
Through two rounds, the Fitzpatrick brothers combined for a 13-under 129 total, placing them in a tie for second position. This left them just one stroke behind the co-leaders, Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, who posted a tournament-record 58 in better-ball play during the opening round before following it with a 70 on Friday to reach 16-under 128.
The Zurich Classic’s unique team format, which alternates between better-ball and foursomes (alternate-shot) play, has allowed the Fitzpatricks to leverage their individual strengths while adapting to the strategic demands of partnered competition. Their performance reflects not only technical skill but also the intangible elements of communication and mutual trust that define successful team play in golf.
As the tournament progresses into the weekend, the Fitzpatrick brothers remain in contention, with their combined experience and recent form suggesting they are well-equipped to handle the challenges of the final rounds. Their ability to maintain consistency under pressure will be a key factor in their pursuit of the title.