In the opening round of the RBC Heritage, Matt Fitzpatrick made an eagle and three birdies, leading to a solid first-round 66. However, his performance has him five strokes behind Justin Thomas, who had a phenomenal round. Fitzpatrick expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting that he putted well, chipped well, hit his irons accurately, and found the fairways consistently. Despite the seemingly simple game, Fitzpatrick later confessed to reporters that his season has been far from satisfactory, marking it as the worst he has ever played.
Fitzpatrick’s current form is a stark contrast to his past achievements. Two years ago, he won the RBC Heritage, finished the season with six top-10 finishes, and earned over $8 million, ranking ninth in the FedEx Cup standings. However, last year, he experienced a decline, failing to secure any victories and only achieving three top-10 finishes. This year, the downward trend continues, with multiple missed cuts and a lack of top-20 finishes. Fitzpatrick’s world ranking has plummeted to 75th, a significant drop from his previous ranking of 6th.
The statistics reflect Fitzpatrick’s struggles, with rankings of 157th in SG: Approach the Green, 154th in SG: Around the Green, and 142nd in SG: Total. Despite his U.S. Open win in 2022, Fitzpatrick’s game has regressed significantly. The golfer acknowledged that his decline began last season but attempted to reset and refocus by taking a break from the game and working on sharpening his skills. However, his efforts have not translated into improved performances on the course.
Fitzpatrick also revealed challenges with his support system, alluding to off-course distractions that have impacted his game. He mentioned difficulties in figuring out technical aspects and expressed a sense of being on his own in recent times. Despite these obstacles, Fitzpatrick received additional help at the RBC Heritage that has boosted his confidence and provided a clearer direction for his game. The golfer has previously worked with British swing coaches Mike Walker and Pete Cowan.
Regarding his chances of making the 2025 European Ryder Cup team, Fitzpatrick dismissed the idea, claiming he is currently not on track for selection. However, he remains optimistic about his future prospects, particularly with three majors and other significant events remaining in the year. Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of performing well and accumulating points quickly to regain his form and ranking. The golfer acknowledged the comfort of returning to a course where he had previous success and expressed determination to rediscover his winning form.
Overall, Fitzpatrick’s candid assessment of his struggles in the 2025 season highlights the challenges and complexities of professional golf. Despite facing setbacks and a decline in performance, Fitzpatrick remains resilient and determined to overcome his current difficulties. With a renewed focus, additional support, and a positive mindset, he aims to turn his season around and return to his previous form. As the golf season progresses, Fitzpatrick’s journey serves as a reminder of the resilience and perseverance required in the sport.
