Alex Fitzpatrick is ready to capitalize on his new PGA Tour status. After a historic breakthrough, the young Englishman is focused on absorbing lessons from the world's elite golfers.

The younger Fitzpatrick brother recently secured a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour. This dream milestone allows him to compete regularly against the highest level of professional competition.

While preparing for his first PGA Championship, Alex opened up to The Mirror US about the talent gap he is working to close. He specifically praised Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, stating, "They're exceptional, and that's why they're so good."

"I'd love to pick their brains more than I have done already," Fitzpatrick remarked regarding his peers. He admitted that he has spent more time with Rory.

The shift from the DP World Tour to the PGA Tour brings significant changes. Alex noted that "less travel has always been nice," though he admits he now feels he has "got to up your game a little bit."

Success is already coming frequently for the Wake Forest product. He recently claimed his first DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open and showed strong form during the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow on the PGA Tour.

Bridging the Gap to Elite Competition 

The Fitzpatrick brothers made history earlier this season at the Zurich Classic. They became the first siblings to take home the trophy, which earned Alex an invitation to the rest of the PGA Tour's signature events.

Alex is now stepping out of the shadow of his older brother, Matt. He is eager to learn from those at the top, admitting, "There's definitely things they can do that I can't do."

The connection that the Fitzpatricks have with the elite community is remarkable. Matt, who is the elder brother of Alex, has played alongside McIlroy for four Ryder Cups in total, one of which is the 2025 edition, where the Europeans won the cup.

Alex becomes the first player outside the membership or who has received sponsorship exemption invitations to win on the tour since Michael Brennan at the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship.

As the spotlight intensifies at the PGA Championship, the golf world waits to see if Fitzpatrick's observations of the "freaks of nature" will spark a monumental upset this weekend.

So, how long do you think it will take Alex to establish a McIlroy-esque grip on his game?

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Written by

Abhishek Sharma

Edited by

Souvik Roy