Fitzpatrick wins Dunhill links Championship to claim first DP World Tour victory in two years

Matt Fitzpatrick secured his long-awaited DP World Tour title, marking his first victory in two years, as he triumphed at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship with a commanding three-stroke lead. 

Heavy rain affected play, particularly during the weekend, shortening the number of holes to 54, but none of that affected Fitzpatrick. The American put to work his remarkable skills by carding a wonderful six-under 66 on the legendary Old Course at St Andrews, concluding the tournament at an impressive 19-under-par overall. 

The competition had to be concluded on Monday, and it took great efforts from the greenskeeper there at St Andrews, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns to make that happen.  The heavy rain had left its mark, particularly at Carnoustie, where extensive areas were washed, and substantial portions of fairways remained waterlogged.

Fresh from his recent triumph at the BMW PGA Championship, Ryan Fox also delivered an outstanding performance, carding a 65 on the Old Course. This strong showing saw him tied for second place alongside Matthew Southgate and Marcus Armitage. 

For Fitzpatrick, this victory marked his first DP World Tour win since his triumph at the Andalucia Masters in October 2021. The victory comes on the heels of his earlier success at the RBC Heritage on the PGA Tour in April. 

Additionally, it follows his pivotal role in Europe’s Ryder Cup-winning team in Rome, where he contributed his first point in the prestigious competition after five consecutive losses in away matches spanning from 2016 to 2021. Fitzpatrick’s Dunhill Links experience was made all the more memorable as he partnered with his mother, Susan, and emerged victorious.

Reflecting on his win, Fitzpatrick remarked, “It’s funny, really, it was kind of a freewheeling week – playing with mum and just trying to enjoy it the best I can and see what happened.” His remarkable performance included a clutch birdie from 10 feet at the 18th hole on the Swilcan Bridge, adding an exclamation point to an exceptional week.

Leon Osamor