Another dramatic week on the PGA Tour just unfolded, with Matt Fitzpatrick beating Scottie Scheffler in a playoff at the RBC Heritage.
And he did it in stunning fashion, making birdie on the 18th hole after landing his 4-iron approach shot from 204 yards just 13 feet from the pin.
Fitzpatrick pulled off the piece of magic despite the challenging conditions at Harbour Town, and indeed despite the fans fervently supporting Scheffler.
The large and noisy gallery didn’t hide its support for the American, but it mattered little to Fitzpatrick, who touched a finger to his ear in response after winning the tournament.
Harbour Town played host to quite the atmosphere for the RBC Heritage, which is exactly what the PGA Tour should be aiming for at every event.
PGA Tour must not discourage fan chants after RBC Heritage atmosphere
Put simply, the PGA Tour should not be discouraging fans from chanting, with electric atmospheres needed to help create an entertaining spectacle.
It is, however, important that crowd behaviour does not cross the line, as it did at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
The European players were the target of plenty of abuse in New York last September, and it was often a terrible look for the prestigious event.
But even with chants of ‘USA, USA’ at the RBC Heritage in favor of American ace Scheffler, Fitzpatrick embraced the fans cheering for his opponent.
The already lively atmosphere was raucous by the time the playoff arrived, but thankfully Fitzpatrick confirmed afterwards that it never went too far.
“It didn’t get out of line in terms of no one was shouting on backswings or anything like that, which was great,” he said.
“I’m all for it. I love the people … they’re supporting Scottie. You want golf to have an atmosphere.
“I’m paid so much money to be out there in front of those crowds. Having them chanting at you every week, it’s a great feeling.”
PROVE US WRONG: You can’t name all four PGA Tour venues! ⛳
Matt Fitzpatrick thanks ‘amazing’ RBC Heritage fans after his win
Fitzpatrick has since doubled down on his feelings about the fans at Harbour Town, where he also won in 2023.
The Englishman also secured that title via a playoff, again against an American, defeating Jordan Spieth three years ago.
Celebrating his latest PGA Tour win there, he wrote on Instagram: “Thanks to the amazing fans this week at [RBC Heritage]. Twice is nice!”
Among those commenting on the post was his fellow professional Rickie Fowler, who wrote: “Nice golfing Fitzy!”
It was indeed a superb effort from Fitzpatrick, who carded rounds of 65, 63, 68 and 70 before his narrow playoff victory over Scheffler.
And it continues a fantastic period for his family, with his brother Alex Fitzpatrick having claimed his maiden DP World Tour win at last month’s Hero Indian Open.
The two brothers will now play alongside each other at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, which returns to the calendar next week.
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