Phil Kenyon - putting coach

Matt Fitzpatrick's long-time putting coach on his development, professionalism and abilities with the flat-stick

- Kit Alexander

How long have you been working together?

Since he was 15. He came for a lesson like a regular punter. Harold Swash was still around. We fitted him for a putter that he used up until a couple of years ago. Bettinardi made him an exact replica that he uses now.

Was it clear that he had a really big future at that early stage?

Well, not really. You never really know at that age. I’ve been around a lot of young golfers through working with England squads and it’s really difficult to predict the future. There are so many talented players who don’t go on and do well. Matt didn’t present physical qualities that made you think he was destined for stardom. But he always had an attitude, application and work ethic and you knew he’d embark on some sort of a journey; you just didn’t know what that journey would entail. I think he has always done something ahead of the time you might expect him to do it, like winning the US Amateur, for example.

Given how long you’ve known him and the journey you’ve been on, how did you feel seeing him become a Major Champion?