Matt Fitzpatrick defeated world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in a playoff to win the RBC Heritage on Sunday. The victory marked Fitzpatrick's second win of the season and earned him a $3.6 million prize. Scheffler, who finished second for the second consecutive week, forced the playoff with late birdies but fell short in the sudden-death round.
Fitzpatrick, who entered the final round with a three-shot lead, saw his advantage shrink as Scheffler mounted a charge. A bogey on the 18th hole by Fitzpatrick and a par by Scheffler sent the match to extra holes. Fitzpatrick regained composure with a clutch 4-iron shot in the playoff, setting up a birdie to secure the win.
The event drew significant attention due to the high-profile matchup and the vocal American crowd supporting Scheffler. Fitzpatrick acknowledged the challenging atmosphere but remained focused. 'A lot of grit,' he said of his performance. 'I knew Scottie was going to make some birdies down the stretch, and I had to hang in there.'
Fitzpatrick's victory comes after a strong season, including a win at the Valspar Championship in March. Scheffler, meanwhile, continues to contend at the highest level despite falling short in back-to-back tournaments. The RBC Heritage featured a $20 million purse, with Fitzpatrick's win representing a significant payday.
The playoff was a repeat of Fitzpatrick's 2020 victory at the same event, where he defeated Jordan Spieth. Fitzpatrick's family has a history with the tournament, having vacationed in the area during his childhood. The win solidifies his position as one of the top golfers in the world and adds to his growing list of accomplishments.