Matt Fitzpatrick has commented on the atmosphere coming down the stretch on Sunday at The Players Championship, as the galleries pulled for Cam Young to win at TPC Sawgrass.
There was certainly a Ryder Cup feel to proceedings as the penultimate group made their way through TPC Sawgrass’s final few holes on Sunday.
Wih Ludvig Aberg faltering, it became clear after two lengthy tee shots on 18 that either Fitzpatrick or Young would win the PGA Tour’s flagship event.
Matt Fitzpatrick reacts to the crowd’s behaviour on Sunday at The Players Championship
There were plenty of USA chants as the majority of the fans were sent into a frenzy by Young rolling in a birdie putt on the 17th hole to move level with
And the atmosphere remained electric as the two men made their way down 18. Fitzpatrick’s bogey meant that it was Young who got across the line and won for the second time on the PGA Tour.
Despite the crowds rooting for Young, Fitzpatrick insisted that their behaviour had little impact on his performance in those final moments.
“Listen, the crowd, that was literally child’s play compared to Bethpage. If they think that that was anything, then they need to reassess. Get yourself up to New York,” he said.
“Listen, that’s how it is. That’s how it is. I would hope it’s the exact same if, well, it probably wouldn’t be because we’re a little bit more polite in Europe, I would say, but I would hope it would be of similar intensity in Europe.
TPC Sawgrass sees Fitzpatrick take another step in the right direction ahead of The Masters
It is a surprise that Fitzpatrick has not won on the PGA Tour since 2023. There is an argument that he is a better player now than when he won the US Open nearly four years ago.
His performance this week felt like another step in the right direction. The Englishman has not had the best time at TPC Sawgrass over the years, missing the cut in three of his previous four visits.
He came agonisingly close to setting up a playoff with Young. So he can take so much confidence into the majors, particularly after finishing in the top 10 twice last year.