Fitzpatrick Brothers Secure Historic Zurich Classic Win, Earn PGA Tour Status

Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick clinched a dramatic one-stroke victory at the 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans on Sunday, April 26, marking the first time brothers have won together on the PGA Tour. The win secures Alex Fitzpatrick a two-year PGA Tour exemption through the 2028 season and moves Matt to the top of the 2026 FedExCup standings.

Brothers Deliver Clutch Performance on Final Hole

Entering the final round with a four-shot lead after a tournament-record 15-under performance in the third round, the Fitzpatricks saw their advantage evaporate by the 18th hole. Kristoffer Reitan and Kris Ventura, along with Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer, birdied the final hole to join the brothers at 30-under par.

On the 72nd hole, Matt Fitzpatrick struck his bunker shot to within inches of the cup, setting up Alex for a tap-in birdie to claim the victory. Matt praised his brother’s composure, saying, “It means the world, I’m absolutely speechless… [Alex] was unbelievable. I could not be more proud.”

Historic Milestones for the Fitzpatrick Brothers

The victory represents several firsts in PGA Tour history. Matt and Alex are the first brothers to win a PGA Tour event together. With his third win of the 2026 season — following victories at the Valspar Championship and RBC Heritage — Matt becomes the first Englishman to win three or more PGA Tour events in a single season.

Alex Fitzpatrick, 27, earns immediate benefits from the win, including a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour through 2028 and invitations to the next four signature events, beginning with the 2026 PGA Championship and 2027 Players Championship. He had recently won his maiden DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in March.

Matt Fitzpatrick’s Season Continues to Impress

Matt Fitzpatrick’s win at the Zurich Classic marks his fifth PGA Tour career victory and third of the 2026 season. Entering the week ranked No. 3 in the Official World Golf Rankings behind Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, the win propels him to the top of the 2026 FedExCup standings.

His season began with a playoff loss at The Players Championship, followed by a top-20 finish at The Masters before back-to-back wins at the Valspar and RBC Heritage. The Zurich Classic victory cements his status as one of the season’s most consistent performers.

About the Zurich Classic Format

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans remains the PGA Tour’s only official team event. The tournament uses a hybrid format: best-ball play in rounds one and three, and alternate-shot in rounds two and four. This structure demands both individual skill and seamless collaboration between partners.

The Fitzpatricks excelled in the alternate-shot rounds, posting a 65 in round two and saving par on the final hole to seal their win. Their ability to perform under pressure in the team format proved decisive.

Looking Ahead

With the Zurich Classic win, Alex Fitzpatrick gains secure status on the PGA Tour through the 2028 season, providing stability as he continues to develop his game on both sides of the Atlantic. Matt Fitzpatrick aims to build on his historic season as he pursues additional victories and a strong finish in the FedExCup playoffs.

The brothers’ triumph adds a new chapter to golf’s family legacy narratives, highlighting the rare achievement of siblings reaching the pinnacle of the sport together.

Key Takeaways

• Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick won the 2026 Zurich Classic by one stroke, becoming the first brothers to win together on the PGA Tour.
• The victory grants Alex Fitzpatrick a two-year PGA Tour exemption through 2028 and entry into the next four signature events.
• Matt Fitzpatrick becomes the first Englishman to win three or more PGA Tour events in a single season and moves to No. 1 in the 2026 FedExCup standings.
• The brothers posted a tournament-record 15-under in the third round before holding off a charging field in the final alternate-shot round.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Zurich Classic of New Orleans?

The Zurich Classic is the PGA Tour’s only official team event, played in a best-ball and alternate-shot format over four rounds.

How did the Fitzpatrick brothers win the 2026 Zurich Classic?

They built a four-shot lead after a record-setting third round, then held on to win by one stroke after Matt’s bunker shot set up Alex’s clinching birdie on the 18th hole.

What does Alex Fitzpatrick earn from winning the Zurich Classic?

Alex receives a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour through the 2028 season and invitations to the next four signature events, including the 2026 PGA Championship and 2027 Players Championship.

Is this the first time brothers have won a PGA Tour event together?

Yes. The Fitzpatrick brothers are the first siblings to win a PGA Tour event as a team.