The British Masters returned to the European schedule last week after a seven-year hiatus. Hosted by
Ian Poulter, the event promised to be an exciting opportunity to re-energise golf in England. So what better way to entice new vigour into the game then having a 21-year-old from Sheffield not only win, but lead all four rounds?
Matt Fitzpatrick dazzled at Woburn Golf Club, exhibiting a cool and calm demeanour that helped him stay ahead of fellow pros almost twice his age. Here are five things we think you should know about Fitzpatrick and his wire-to-wire British Masters victory.
Sunday Marked his First Professional Win
An exciting buzz has been following Fitzpatrick since he won the U.S. Amateur Championship in 2013. While many questioned the golfer’s decision to leave Northwestern University and turn pro in June 2014, he was able to earn his European Tour Card at Q-school last fall and has been slowly proving his worth amongst the big boys on Tour.
Sunday’s victory marks Fitzpatrick’s first career win. A feat even he was shocked by.
“Unbelievable [feeling]. It’s [winning] not going to sink in for a long time,” Fitzpatrick told reporters afterwards.
Not too shabby for a rookie.
Youngest-Ever Winner of the British Masters
The fresh-faced golfer looks barely old enough to drink in the pub, let alone be the British Masters winner. But looks can be deceiving as Fitzpatrick proved he’s more than able to handle the challenge of competing on the European Tour. Even more impressive – Fitzpatrick is now the youngest-ever winner of the event at 21 years and 40 days. Beating Justin Rose’s previous record of 21 years and 307 days when he won the tournament back in 2002.
Record-Breaking Opening Round
The records didn’t stop with his age. Fitzpatrick also claimed the lowest-ever opening round score in the history of British Masters with an ultra impressive 7-under 64 last Thursday. Leaving little room to doubt the kid’s got skills!
Gained European Tour Exemption through 2017
When asked how he was feeling after achieving his first win, Fitzpatrick confessed to reporters his main goal this season was just to hold on to his tour card.
“This year my goal was to keep my tour card and I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to do that. It’s definitely come faster than I thought.”
The young golfer has now managed to not only keep it for next season but to get an exemption on the European Tour until the end of 2017. If he can keep up the incredible play and high intensity we saw over the weekend, Fitzpatrick is sure to be a permanent fixture on Tour well beyond 2017.
He might be Eyeing Up a New Car
In his rookie season Fitzpatrick has already netted over £1 million in tournament prize money. Sunday’s win garnered the 21-year-old a cool €671,550. But the young golfer has remained modest, even telling reporters about the ribbing he’s gotten from fellow players regarding his car, a four-year-old Ford Mondeo.
While Fitzpatrick has managed to remain humble thus far that’s not to say he isn’t eyeing up a treat for himself.
Telling reporters after Sunday’s win he’d love a new sports car. “It’s an Ascari A10 but my dad won’t let me spend it all on that.”
How very practical of Mr. Fitzpatrick!
