When Matt Fitzpatrick tees off at Aronimink this Thursday, he will be chasing more than just another tournament victory—he will be attempting to break a historic drought that has lasted over a century. No English golfer has claimed the US PGA Championship title since Jim Barnes achieved the feat in 1916 and 1919. That remarkable gap of 107 years remains one of the most surprising records in golf, but Fitzpatrick may be the player best equipped to finally bring it to an end.
The 31-year-old from Sheffield arrives at this year’s championship in outstanding form, arguably the strongest of his career. His performances on the PGA Tour in 2026 have been exceptional, highlighted by three wins in his last five starts. Financially, he has also enjoyed immense success, earning over $10.5 million so far this season. These achievements underline not only his consistency but also his ability to perform under pressure at the highest level.
Fitzpatrick currently sits just behind some of the biggest names in golf in the world rankings, including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Cameron Young. Despite this, he believes his current level of play surpasses even the period when he won the US Open in 2022—a milestone that defined his career at the time.
Reflecting on his journey, Fitzpatrick described 2022 as a “golden period” in his career. For several years following that victory, he considered it the best phase of his professional life. However, his performances in 2026 have changed that perspective. He now feels that his recent results, combined with improved underlying statistics, have elevated his game to new heights.
His strong start to the season includes a second-place finish at the prestigious Players Championship in March, followed by a victory at the Valspar Championship. He also delivered an impressive performance at the Masters in April, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level in major tournaments.
One of his most notable achievements this year came at the RBC Heritage, where he defeated world number one Scottie Scheffler in a dramatic playoff. That victory further solidified his status as one of the top contenders on the tour. Shortly after, Fitzpatrick teamed up with his younger brother Alex to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, making history as the first brothers to win a PGA Tour event together.
The US PGA Championship, scheduled from May 14 to May 17 at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania, presents a new challenge. Fitzpatrick’s recent form suggests he is well-prepared, but the course itself will test every aspect of his game.
A closer look at his statistics explains his rise this season. He ranks among the top five players on the PGA Tour in key performance metrics such as strokes gained off the tee, strokes gained tee-to-green, and strokes gained on approach shots. These metrics are widely regarded as accurate indicators of a player’s overall performance, measuring how many strokes a player gains or loses compared to the field average.
Although Fitzpatrick is not known for his power off the tee, his accuracy has been a significant strength. He ranks among the top six in driving accuracy, a skill that will be particularly important at Aronimink. The course is known for its challenging layout, including numerous fairway bunkers that punish errant drives.
However, there is one area of concern in his game—putting. Fitzpatrick currently ranks 99th on the PGA Tour in putting statistics, which could prove costly on a course where the greens are expected to play a crucial role. He himself has acknowledged that the greens will likely be the primary defense at Aronimink.
Despite this, historical data suggests that putting has traditionally been one of Fitzpatrick’s strengths. Over the past four seasons, he has consistently ranked within the top 30 in strokes gained putting. This indicates that his current struggles on the greens may be temporary rather than a long-term issue.
Interestingly, Fitzpatrick’s resurgence has coincided with the rise of his younger brother Alex, who has also been making headlines. Their victory at the Zurich Classic not only marked a personal milestone but also earned Alex a two-year PGA Tour card. This achievement has opened new opportunities for the 27-year-old, who is quickly establishing himself as a formidable player.
Alex’s recent performances have been impressive. He led after 54 holes at the Truist Championship before finishing fourth, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level. His rise in the world rankings—from 203rd at the end of 2025 to 83rd currently—reflects his rapid progress.
Matt has expressed pride in his brother’s achievements, noting that they have yet to truly compete against each other in a high-pressure situation. He anticipates that such a moment will feel unusual but exciting when it eventually occurs.
In a lighthearted remark, Matt joked that he is now often recognized as “Alex’s brother,” highlighting the growing recognition of his sibling’s success. This shift in perception underscores how quickly Alex has made a name for himself in professional golf.
The two brothers, however, differ significantly in their approach to the game. Matt is known for his meticulous, data-driven style. He carefully analyzes every aspect of his performance, even recording detailed notes after each shot. This methodical approach has been a key factor in his success.
In contrast, Alex adopts a more relaxed and intuitive style. He is less focused on statistics and prefers to play based on feel and instinct. According to Matt, this difference extends beyond the golf course, as evidenced by their shared living arrangements during tournaments. Matt humorously described Alex as “messy,” particularly when they shared a bathroom during a recent event.
Despite their contrasting styles, both players are achieving success in their own ways. Matt acknowledges that Alex’s less analytical approach may actually be beneficial, as it allows him to play freely without overthinking.
As the US PGA Championship approaches, all eyes will be on Fitzpatrick to see if he can end England’s long wait for another winner. His current form, combined with his experience and determination, makes him a strong contender.
However, golf is an unpredictable sport, and success at a major championship requires not only skill but also composure under pressure. Fitzpatrick will need to maintain his focus, particularly on the greens, if he hopes to secure victory.
Regardless of the outcome, his journey this season has already been remarkable. From multiple victories to historic achievements with his brother, Fitzpatrick has firmly established himself as one of the leading players in the game today.
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