Fitzpatrick Brothers at The Open: Alex Shines While Matt Misses Cut

The Open Championship features a rare sight this year: two sets of brothers competing in the field. English siblings Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick are joined by Denmark's Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard. While the Højgaard brothers are projected to miss the cut, the Fitzpatricks have seen contrasting fortunes. Alex Fitzpatrick delivered a strong performance, standing at 4-under par through 36 holes and four shots behind the leader. In contrast, his older brother Matt struggled, carding a 4-over total that included five bogeys in his second round, leading to an early exit from the tournament.

Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick are indeed brothers, both hailing from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. Matt, born on September 1, 1994, is the elder sibling, while Alex was born on January 2, 1999. Both pursued collegiate golf in the United States before turning professional. Matt attended Northwestern University, though he departed early to begin his professional career. Alex completed his collegiate golf career at Wake Forest University, establishing his own path before joining the professional ranks.

Sibling Success on Tour

Matt Fitzpatrick has built a distinguished professional career, marked by five victories on the PGA Tour. His most significant triumph came at the 2022 U.S. Open, where he secured a one-shot victory over formidable competitors Scottie Scheffler and Will Zalatoris. For the upcoming Masters Tournament, Matt Fitzpatrick is currently available at +2500 (Bovada). Scottie Scheffler, a consistent top performer, is priced at +500 (Bovada) for the Masters, while Will Zalatoris holds odds of +20000 (FanDuel) for the same major.

Alex Fitzpatrick has also achieved success on the PGA Tour, notably securing a win at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in April. His current market price for the PGA Championship is +10000 (DraftKings), reflecting his status as he continues to establish himself on tour.

The presence of brothers like the Fitzpatricks competing at golf's highest level adds a unique dynamic to major championships. While Matt has already cemented his major winner status, Alex's strong showing at The Open suggests a promising trajectory for his own career, potentially setting the stage for future sibling rivalry at the top of leaderboards.