It’s midway through the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and brothers Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick are once again making headlines for an impressive performance on the course. Both brothers continue their red hot 2026 season by diving into the competition at the PGA Tour’s only team event.
The duo, playing alternate shot, fired a 7-under 65 to end Friday’s round in a three way tie for second place. Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer claimed the solo lead heading into the weekend as the Fitzpatrick brothers ended the day tied up with teams of Davis Thompson plus Austin Eckroat, and Billy Horschel alongside Tom Hoge.
Fitzpatrick Brothers Surge into Second
The Fitzpatricks climbed 28 spots with Friday’s round and enter the weekend with serious momentum. Older brother Matt is riding a remarkable wave, coming off a win at the RBC Heritage last week. Before that, he captured the Valspar Championship title and finished runner-up at The Players Championship.
Alex, meanwhile, entered the tournament thanks to a sponsor’s exemption but has been building momentum of his own. Earlier this year, he secured his maiden victory on the DP World Tour at the Hero Indian Open, rallying from a six-shot deficit to win. His victory came just a week after Matt’s win at the Valspar Championship, marking the first time brothers have won in consecutive weeks across the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
Following that breakthrough, Alex reflected on the milestone:
“It’s great to join my brother Matt as a winner,” Fitzpatrick said. “It can be hard sometimes when you’re constantly chasing someone’s accolades but luckily it’s my brother, so it’s not horrific. It’s extremely nice to join him in the winners’ ranks and hopefully I can continue to push on. I idolize him, so just trying to be like him in every way. Hopefully we can keep doing well.”
Another win this week would mean more opportunities for the brothers to compete side by side, as Alex would receive a two-year PGA Tour exemption.
Matt and Alex Team Up
This year marks the fourth time the Fitzpatricks have teamed up at the Zurich Classic.
“Playing here as a family has been great for us, not seeing each other that much in the year. Since we first came here, I think four years ago now, (New Orleans has) made us incredibly welcomed. Almost like took us in with open arms,” Alex said according to the PGA Tour. “Coming here every year is exciting, and we always look forward to it. So now it’s almost like a bit of a second home we like it that much.”
Matt shared a similar sentiment:
“We love coming here,” Matt said. “It’s a much different change of pace tournament-wise. It doesn’t feel quite as intense. You’ve got a teammate to back you up. It’s obviously even nicer that it’s my brother. Yeah, just looking forward to the weekend.”
Matt Fitzpatrick currently sits at World No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking and is second in the FedExCup standings, while Alex Fitzpatrick ranks seventh in the Race to Dubai standings.
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