After capturing his first major championship at the US Open, Matt Fitzpatrick immediately set his sights on matching Nick Faldo’s European record of six major titles. Will Zalatoris, his playing partner on the final day, and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler were defeated by one stroke at Brookline’s Country Club by Fitzpatrick.
“Six is the number,” Fitzpatrick responded when asked if he had a major goal. “We all [on Fitzpatrick’s team] agreed upon this number. I still have a ways to go, but I’m off to a good start.
“It’s undeniable that you want to go win more games now. I will continue doing what I am doing. I am not attempting to affect change. I’ll likely call a meeting with everyone and attempt to make the best decisions moving forward. It’s still simple to veer off course. I must continue doing what I’m doing, and hopefully, more opportunities will arise. I’m pleased with one thus far.”
Having won the US Amateur Championship and US Open at the same venue, Fitzpatrick now shares a remarkable accomplishment with the legendary Jack Nicklaus. This was accomplished by Nicklaus at Pebble Beach.
“It’s unbelievable to share a record with Jack Nicklaus,” Fitzpatrick said after his victory at the course just outside Boston. “Therefore, for me to have that as well as astounding. Just before the presentation, he called me to congratulate me. Coming from such a source, means the world.
“I just felt so at ease in this environment. Know where to hit the ball and where to miss the ball. I am simply pleased to be unbeaten in this area.”
Fitzpatrick appeared emotional when he thought of Sheffield, his hometown. The golfer is an ardent fan of Sheffield United. “I feel the same way about myself as I do about my football team,” he explained. “Not anticipated to perform well, not anticipated to succeed. Today, I won a major.
“I feel that I work very hard for it. This is essentially where I grew up, and this is the mentality of everyone in the area. It is not even remotely affluent. It is similar to the underdog mentality, and you earn what you get.”
A gracious Zalatoris praised Fitzpatrick, particularly for his incredible shot from the 72nd fairway bunker. Fitzpatrick, who was in the sand and 159 yards from the flag, fired an iron to within 20 feet of the hole. Zalatoris’ birdie putt, which would have forced a playoff, subsequently slid agonizingly past the hole.
“Matt’s shot on hole 18 will likely be shown for the remainder of US Open history,” said Zalatoris. “As I walked by, I thought that going for it would be audacious, but the fact that he made it and even had a birdie look was simply astounding. So, kudos to him. He was outstanding all week.”
