Nearly Man No More
Golf Asia|February 2022
At the age of 27, Matt Fitzpatrick is one of the game’s nearly men. Good enough to win multiple times in Europe and contend on the PGA Tour, so what will it take for him to make that next step up?
Michael Catling
Nearly Man No More

Matt Fitzpatrick has come a long way since being mistaken for Tiger’s ball boy at the 2013 Open, The kid who chased Rickie Fowler for an autograph turned 27 last month and still retains the same slender build and boyish looks, but he’s gone from practising for eight hours a day at Hallamshire Golf Club in his hometown of Sheffield to rubbing shoulders with golf’s elite at Jack Nicklaus’ Bear’s Club in North Palm Beach. He currently splits his time between the European Tour, where he has won six times, and the PGA Tour where he’s still trying to make his mark. It’s a source of frustration that he remains winless in 91 starts, especially as he’s so intent on proving that you don’t need to hit it miles to contend in today’s game.

While not blessed with the power of Bryson, Fitzpatrick has extracted a lot from his old-school, rhythmical swing – the Ryder Cup notwithstanding – and has gained a reputation as one of the most analytical minds in the game. His accuracy from tee-to-green is perhaps bettered only by his metronome-like putting stroke, which remains the envy of his peers.

He’s not bothered about chasing distance and he even got Bryson’s attention when he suggested it requires less skill to simply smash the ball harder. Fitzpatrick still stands by that statement today and as we found out, he’s now getting a helping hand from a European Tour veteran to compensate for any shortcomings in the power stakes…

How do you assess your performances over the last 12 months?

Denne historien er fra February 2022-utgaven av Golf Asia.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra February 2022-utgaven av Golf Asia.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA GOLF ASIASe alt
PLAYING ALONG THE LINES
Golf Asia

PLAYING ALONG THE LINES

ClearPath Alignment now adorns the latest TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x Stripe golf balls.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
NG CONTINUES TO BLAZE A TRAIL
Golf Asia

NG CONTINUES TO BLAZE A TRAIL

Sydnie Ng's victory in the Singapore Junior Masters B Division Girls boosts her potential.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
DESCENTE ON THE ASCENT
Golf Asia

DESCENTE ON THE ASCENT

Descente and FILA Golf gives the renovated The Shop at Laguna National Golf Resort Club a trendy boost.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
DIVINE PLEASURES FOR A CAUSE
Golf Asia

DIVINE PLEASURES FOR A CAUSE

Christian media ministry TWR Asia finds charitable connections through golf.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
TO "D" OR NOT TO "D"?
Golf Asia

TO "D" OR NOT TO "D"?

If you chose “D”, you are right and you would be joining millions of people around the world who are choosing “D” as the one necessary supplement they must include in their daily diet.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
QUOTIDIAN LUXURY
Golf Asia

QUOTIDIAN LUXURY

Audi's new Q4 e-tron offers everyday comfort and performance through sustainable rides.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
A RACE LIKE NO OTHER
Golf Asia

A RACE LIKE NO OTHER

Join us as we take a front row seat at Le Mans, one of the greatest races in the world, followed by an exclusive tour of Ferrari's automated factory in Maranello, Italy.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
CELEBRATING THE MODERN WOMAN
Golf Asia

CELEBRATING THE MODERN WOMAN

Patek Philippe's Twenty-4 collection has come a long way since its inception at the turn of the millennium, and this year's anniversary edition is a sign of the times.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
THE PRIVILEGE OF MEMBERSHIP
Golf Asia

THE PRIVILEGE OF MEMBERSHIP

Dragon Golf International offers its members in Singapore with access to top courses around the world. Founder and Managing Director Neil Douglas talks about why it may be the answer to the future of golf travel.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
THE LURE OF THE LAKESIDE
Golf Asia

THE LURE OF THE LAKESIDE

Banyan Group's massive new undertaking in Phuket rides on soaring international demand for homes on the island

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024