Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick are one round away from history in New Orleans. The brothers have taken a commanding lead at the Zurich Classic, with a four-shot lead going into the final round. Matt Fitzpatrick credited Alex Fitzpatrick for helping move the brothers into control at TPC Louisiana.

In a recent press conference after three rounds in New Orleans on Saturday at TPC Louisiana, Matt was all praises for his brother's performance.

“He [Alex Fitzpatrick] was brilliant today. He was faultless, truly. He played fantastic, and he played fantastic yesterday as well. He played brilliant golf both the last two days. His game has really turned a corner these last few months, and I believe in him to continue that trend,” said Matt.

Alex Fitzpatrick played a direct role in building their lead. He made seven birdies during Saturday’s four-ball round, including a birdie run on the back nine, as the brothers posted a 15-under 57 and set a new tournament scoring mark. 

A day earlier, they also handled the alternate-shot format in 7-under, which moved them into contention before Saturday pushed them clear. 

“He's doing all the right things, and obviously it was nice for him to have such a big impact there on the back nine to continue what the front nine brought,” added the 31-year-old proud brother.

That run has left the pair at 30-under through 54 holes, four ahead of Davis Thompson-Austin Eckroat, and Alex Smalley-Hayden Springer.

For Alex, Sunday carries much more than a team trophy. A win would secure him a two-year PGA Tour exemption through 2028, along with access to additional starts later this season, including Signature Events and a major championship route. 

Alex returned that praise by shifting the focus back to Matt, pointing to his brother’s control through the opening stretch.

Alex Fitzpatrick says Matt Fitzpatrick set the tone before their late run at the 2026 Zurich Classic

The brothers seem to be sharing responsibility across the course. Alex also made it clear that Matt had done the work early in the round before the back nine shifted the spotlight.

“Yeah, I didn't really do much the first nine holes. I just kind of just let him [Matt Fitzpatrick] do his thing. Yeah, it was pretty cool to watch. You know, playing alongside my brother, who happens also to be one of the best players in the world, is pretty fun. When he's playing well, it's pretty cool to watch,” said the 26-year-old during the press conference.

Matt built the early momentum before the back nine. He chipped in for a birdie at the first, made an eagle at the seventh from long range, and helped position the brothers through the front nine before Alex added the late birdie run. 

Across the week, Matt has also been central to the build, opening with 64 on Thursday, following it with 65 in alternate shot on Friday, and helping push the pair to a record 30-under through 54 holes.

Do you think Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick can hold their lead and close out the Zurich Classic on Sunday? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Surjo Roy