Matt Fitzpatrick's stellar performance at the Scottish Open has sparked discussions about the pinnacle of his golfing career. With a strong case for being the best golfer in 2026, Fitzpatrick's achievements this year are remarkable. He's tied with Chris Gotterup for the most wins on the PGA Tour, boasting three victories, including a playoff triumph against Scottie Scheffler at the RBC Heritage. This success has propelled him from 22nd to 4th in the Official World Golf Rankings, with the potential to climb even higher. The only missing piece of the puzzle is a major championship, as Fitzpatrick aims to double his major tally at The Open Championship next week.
Fitzpatrick's current season surpasses his previous best, the year he won the US Open. In that year, he secured only one win on the PGA Tour, whereas now, he has accumulated five victories, including a remarkable performance at the Scottish Open. After his second round, Fitzpatrick expressed confidence, stating that the stretch from February onwards has been the best golf of his career. Data Golf's evaluation supports this claim, ranking his current season as the 218th best since 1983, just behind his 2022 US Open victory. This year's performance is particularly impressive in terms of strokes gained with irons and around the greens.
Interestingly, despite his overall excellence, Fitzpatrick's putting has been a weak point this season, marking the worst putting season of his career. However, the potential for improvement is evident, as suggested by his impressive performance in other areas. The RBC Heritage win, a significant event for the Sheffield-born star, and the Zurich Classic victory alongside his brother, which secured his PGA Tour card, further solidify the case for this season being the best of Fitzpatrick's career. As he continues to contend at the Scottish Open, the golfing world eagerly awaits his next major achievement.
