Alex Fitzpatrick: I have more rivalry with my golfing girlfriend than brother Matt

Alex Fitzpatrick could well finish ahead of brother and US Open winner Matt. Photo: Getty Images/Ross Kinnaird his golf girlfriend.

The first English siblings to play in the same Open Championship for over half a century drive cars at Royal Liverpool. Little brother Alex starts the final round with a score of four short, two shots better than the 2022 US Open winner who beat him 65-67 on Saturday. Matt, who previously described himself as «unfortunate» compared to «happy» Alex, instead told his parents to follow Alex around the track.

The rivalry between the pair seems to be nothing compared to what Alex has with his girlfriend Rachel K un, an American amateur who will play in the Women's Major next week at the Evian Championship.

“There will be no rivalry or anything like that. After all, we are as much brothers as we are golfers,” said Alex, who finished above Matt only once, in last year’s Andalucia Masters in Valderrama, where he was 36th and his brother missed. “I am rooting for him, he is rooting for me. We both support each other and we both want the best for each other.

«I don't get to play with him often, so it's hard to beat him when you've only played three tournaments in your life together.»

Alex Fitzpatrick did a bird punch on the 18th, securing his 65th round to 65. ly girlfriend, yes, 100 percent. Lots of chips, lots of putts.

“She claims to win all the time, but she knows the truth. She is an amazing player. She's got her own game.»

Russell and Susan's parents found their time, if not their affections, split this week, but Matt, the 2022 US Open winner, insisted they watch Alex at his first major.

“It's difficult because they've been with him at so many events. He plays every major tournament, every PGA Tour event every week,” he said.

“It’s hard for my mom and dad to come to me with the Challenge Tour so often. “I think they thought they would pick me today and tomorrow they might pick him, and that’s fine. No drama or anything.»

Matt felt it was only fair that his parents focus on Alex this week as they were by his side during his big break in Brooklyn last year.

«I told them to focus on him. This is more important. It's his first, so that's more important. They were going to do (it) anyway. I think they caught a few of my first holes and came back to look at it.”

As soon as 24-year-old Alex qualified for the finals two weeks ago, Matt, four years his senior, sent a congratulatory SMS and told his brother and sister that “we will work through this course together.”