Even though this week has been extremely competitive, Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick are attempting to conduct “business as usual”.
At the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the brothers undoubtedly embraced their family competition while competing together for the first time.
When it comes to expectations, though, the duo has made it clear that their main priority is having fun. The outcomes will happen as they may.
However, with only 18 holes remaining, it’s hard to minimize the significance of these possible outcomes.
With a victory, Alex, who is currently competing on a sponsor exemption, would be granted full exempt status on the PGA TOUR through 2024.
He gains entry into the Mexico Open the following week and a head start on Special Temporary Membership with a top-5 finish.
The Fitzpatrick brothers are T7 (-21), five strokes behind leaders Wyndham Clark and Beau Hossler (-26), and just two strokes to reach fifth after shooting a 10-under 62 in the third round.
The brothers are ignoring the risks, at least for another day.
“Although there are risks involved, we have nothing to lose. We are leaving the house and having fun. It will be great if we played well. It won’t end the world if we don’t, though.” stated Alex on Saturday.
“This week doesn’t worry me for Alex. I have watched his games out there. He is able to compete. He may very well be in this type of competition.” said Matt Fitzpatrick.
Matt stated during their pre-tournament press conference that he didn’t feel any additional pressure to assist his brother in getting his card.
Prior to his arrival at TPC Louisiana, Alex claimed he had never even considered the notion of achieving PGA TOUR status.
But this week, Alex proved his capability. In the third round, the younger Fitzpatrick was especially important. He finished with six birdies as the siblings overcame a sluggish start to birdie nine of their final 12 holes and move up from T20 to the top 10.
Including a 38-footer on the 5th par-4, Alex hit four putts for birdies from distances of more than 10 feet.
Alex is still struggling to find his way in the professional golf world, while Matt has established himself as one of the sport’s top players after winning the RBC Heritage last week to go along with his success at the 2022 U.S. Open.
The 24-year-old Alex has split his time between the DP World Tour and the European Challenge Tour this year, making five starts and finishing in the top 25 three times.
He played for Wake Forest for four years before turning professional last summer. In his lone previous TOUR start at Valspar Championship in 2022, he failed to make the cut.
A strong showing at the Zurich Classic would do much to increase his playing status in the United States.
A victory comes with amazing benefits, including a two-year exemption and invitations to the major tournaments, the Tournament of Champions, and The PLAYERS Championship.
However, even a top-5 finish, which would exempt him from the Mexico Open the following week, would give him significant progress toward Special Temporary Membership.
Currently, Alex can only accept seven sponsor exemptions during a single TOUR season until he becomes a member.
With the aid of those exemptions, he may try to meet the requirements for Special Temporary Membership by earning enough FedExCup points to tie with the player who placed 150th in the FedExCup standings the year before.
He would likely earn at least half the required points with a top-5 result, and his start in Mexico would not qualify him for a sponsor exemption.
As a result, Sunday may end up being more than simply the beginning of a wonderful family week; it may also mark the debut of another Fitzpatrick on the PGA TOUR. Nevertheless, the brothers still maintain their indifferent mindset towards the tournament.
“As cliche as that may seem, I just want to go and enjoy it. You’re going to give yourself a higher chance, in my opinion, if you enjoy it. We’ll come out tomorrow, and perhaps we’ll pick up a few tips, play decently, and make enough numbers to see what transpires.” said Alex.
