Alex Fitzpatrick is rapidly making a name for himself on the PGA Tour, and the golf world is starting to take notice. Just a few short weeks ago, Fitzpatrick was best known as the younger brother of world number four Matt Fitzpatrick. Now, after a string of impressive performances, Alex is carving out his own identity and proving that he’s not just here to take part—he’s here to contend.
On May 9, 2026, Sia Nejad discussed the remarkable rise of Alex Fitzpatrick, highlighting that the young Englishman is seeking his second win of the season in just his third start. That’s a storyline few could have predicted at the start of the year. While some may have thought Alex’s PGA Tour card was a product of his partnership with Matt at the Zurich Classic, the younger Fitzpatrick is putting those doubts to rest with stellar play and undeniable poise.
Let’s rewind to the Zurich Classic, where Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick played as a team. The consensus at the time was that Matt, the more accomplished of the two, was the driving force behind their success. Many believed that Alex’s tour card was earned thanks to his brother’s efforts. But can we really say that now? Recent results suggest otherwise.
Last week, Alex Fitzpatrick made his debut in a Signature Event at the Cadillac Championship at Doral. Against a stacked field, he didn’t just make the cut—he thrived, finishing inside the top 10. That performance alone sent a message: Alex Fitzpatrick belongs at this level. But he wasn’t done yet.
This week, at the prestigious Truist Championship at Quail Hollow, Fitzpatrick has carried his momentum forward. Through two rounds, he sits tied for third place at seven-under par, just one shot behind Tour Championship winner Tommy Fleetwood. Even more impressive, Alex is nine shots better than his brother Matt in the same event. That’s not just a family rivalry; it’s a statement.
Tommy Fleetwood, no stranger to the pressures of elite golf, offered high praise for the PGA Tour’s newest breakout star. Fleetwood, who has known Alex for years and played alongside him on the DP World Tour, didn’t hold back when asked about Fitzpatrick’s recent surge. “Well, it’s great. I think he’s on a great run of form. I think he’s put a lot of great work in. I remember playing back in Europe towards the back end of last year and he was, he had struggled up until that point in the year, and his game was clearly coming back,” Fleetwood said. “He had a great finish to the year, he’s continued that on. So his work is paying off. I think it’s an amazing time for him to be playing well, feel confident, have that work paying off for him with great results.”
Fleetwood’s words resonate even more when considering the context. Alex Fitzpatrick endured his share of struggles last season on the DP World Tour, but he closed the year strong and has carried that form onto the PGA Tour. “It just shows, you know, like, wherever you are, if you’re playing good golf and you’re playing to the level you want to play at, you can compete on any given week. So it’s great to see him and Pete doing so well, and it’s a great start to his PGA TOUR career, if you like and, yeah, happy for him,” Fleetwood added.
So, what’s behind Fitzpatrick’s sudden leap? According to Matt Fitzpatrick, the biggest improvement in his brother’s game has been his driving. And the stats back that up. At Doral, Alex gained 1.27 strokes to the field off the tee—a crucial factor in his top 10 finish. But his excellence hasn’t been limited to driving; his iron play has also been elite. He gained 1.06 strokes on approach to the green at Doral, showcasing the kind of ball striking that separates contenders from pretenders.
Those skills have translated beautifully to Quail Hollow. Through two rounds of the Truist Championship, Fitzpatrick leads the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, picking up a remarkable 2.33 strokes on the field. That’s the sort of number that gets analysts and fans alike sitting up in their seats. He’s not just keeping pace; he’s setting the standard.
Of course, golf is a game of many facets, and even Fitzpatrick’s impressive tee-to-green play hasn’t been enough to vault him into the outright lead—yet. His putting in round two left something to be desired; he ranked in the bottom 20 in the field with the flatstick. If he had been even average on the greens, there’s a real chance he’d be sitting atop the leaderboard heading into the weekend. But with his ball striking as sharp as it is, there’s every reason to believe he can make a move as the tournament progresses.
It’s worth noting that this is just Fitzpatrick’s third start of the PGA Tour season. To already be in contention for a second win is nothing short of remarkable. Sia Nejad, speaking on May 9, emphasized the significance of Fitzpatrick’s rapid ascent, suggesting that another strong finish this week could dramatically alter how he’s viewed heading into next week’s PGA Championship. Suddenly, Alex Fitzpatrick isn’t just a promising rookie—he’s a legitimate threat on golf’s biggest stages.
For those who have followed the Fitzpatrick family story, this moment is both surprising and satisfying. Matt Fitzpatrick has long been a fixture near the top of the world rankings, but Alex’s emergence adds a new chapter to the family legacy. It’s not just about sibling rivalry anymore; it’s about two world-class talents pushing each other to new heights.
As the weekend rounds approach at Quail Hollow, all eyes will be on Alex Fitzpatrick. Can he maintain his torrid ball striking? Will his putter heat up at just the right time? And could this be the week he claims his second PGA Tour victory in just three starts? The answers are still to come, but one thing’s for certain: Alex Fitzpatrick’s star is rising fast, and the golf world is watching with anticipation.
With the action still unfolding at the Truist Championship, Fitzpatrick has positioned himself perfectly for a run at the title. Whether or not he hoists the trophy on Sunday, his performance thus far has sent a clear message—he’s here to compete, and he’s not backing down. The journey is just beginning, but the signs point to a bright future for the PGA Tour’s newest sensation.