Tour Championship: Alex Fitzpatrick on leaving Matt's shadow
Golfer Alex Fitzpatrick discusses his successful 2026 season on the PGA Tour and his transition from being known as Matt Fitzpatrick's younger brother to an independent competitor. He reflects on his recent professional growth and a memorable encounter with Michael Jordan.
Why it matters
The story highlights the personal and professional development of an emerging athlete in the competitive world of professional golf.
Figure caption, Alex Fitzpatrick on his encounter with NBA legend Michael Jordan
If Alex Fitzpatrick wanted a glimpse into just how life changing winning on the PGA Tour would be, he did not have to wait long.
While celebrating victory at the Zurich Classic pairs event, in tandem with his older brother and world number four Matt, at a golf club just north of Palm Beach in Florida, Alex felt a congratulatory hand on his shoulder.
"I look over and it's Michael Jordan," Fitzpatrick says. "I'm like 'wow', it's insane.
"He walks past the table. He's got a bag full of cigars, t-shirt untucked, he looks like the coolest person ever.
"He walked past me, saw Gary Woodland, who won the previous week, and was like 'wow, it's a room of winners in here'. That was the coolest thing ever.
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