English fans stunned by countryman’s victory

It is not every day that you realise your golfing dream of winning your first Major Championship.  But that is exactly what happened to English golfer Matt Fitzpatrick at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, USA.  The 27-year old sporting talent from Sheffield, South Yorkshire snatched the 2022 US Open title from Americans Scottie Scheffler and Will Zalatoris in an exhilerating final round of golf on Sunday.  With a tally of 274 (6-under par), Fitzpatrick was one shot ahead of the chasing pack.

 

The atmosphere was building-up for a delightful finale at Brookline.  After 54 holes Will Zalatoris and Matt Fitzpatrick were leading the tournament on 4-under par.  But there was a bunch of talent breathing down their necks just waiting for a chance to nip ahead in the Major.  Zalatoris and Fitzpatrick had to clearly focus on the mission in hand.  One small slip and players like Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler or the defending champion of Jon Rahm (Spain) would lift the trophy.

 

Scheffler in strong contention

 

Indeed, Scottie Scheffler got into contention on several occasions, especially on the first nine where he played 31 shots against a par of 35.  He eventually ended up as leader in the clubhouse on 5-under par, 275.  Another Masters Champion Hideki Matsuyama from Japan played superbly at The Country Club carding a low-round of the week with 65 shots to seize fourth spot on 277.  Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, who had held the lead on day one until Canada’s Adam Hadwin pipped him by one, scored a one-under par 69 on Sunday to share fifth spot on 2-under par with twice Major winner from America, Collin Morikawa.  Scheffler’s lead of the field came to a close after he bogeyed the 10th and 11th holes.

 

 

Fitzpatrick is well-known for putting while the flagstick is still in the hole.  Alas, this saw him miss a short putt at the 10th and so make bogey.  Zalatoris then made birdie at the 11th.  His two there earned him the lead in the US Open as the player from Sheffield also made a bogey here after three putts.  Fitzpatrick then holed an enormous putt at the 13th for birdie to share the lead again with Zalatoris on 5-under par.  With such exciting golf and the crowds roaring like crazy: “Get in the hole!” any one of a handful of players could win the US Open.  The tussle continued.

 

Magical putt by Fitzpatrick

 

The 15th hole was another testing moment for Fitzpatrick.  After a poor drive, he produced a magical shot onto the green where he then holed a lengthy putt to get to 6-under par.  Zalatoris meanwhile found the sand with his second shot and made bogey to slip back to 4-under.  Scheffler climbed to second spot on 5-under.

 

Glory for Fitzpatrick was just a couple of inches short of the hole at the 16th.  Zalatoris made a birdie here to get back into runner-up spot with Scheffler.

 

The 17th hole produced a few smiles from Fitzpatrick and his caddie.  Zalatoris putted first and saw his birdie putt finish a couple of inches short of the hole.  Fitzpatrick then tackled a very speedy downhill putt which he dribbled towards the hole.  He and his bagman had to giggle afterwards as they also had to settle for par.  It was a good time to relieve some of the tension.

 

 

Down the last hole, Fitzpatrick’s drive ended in the left-hand bunker.  With 159 yards to the flag, he launched his approach to the middle of the green.  The crowds were delighted with the excitement of the game.  Fitzpatrick’s ball then just missed the hole for birdie.  Zalatoris still had chance to make birdie.  He took his time and made a gallant effort only to see his putt just shave the hole and stay above ground.  The player had to be satisfied with a share of second place with Scheffler.  Another second spot for one of America’s new golfing talents.

 

Dream comes true for Sheffield golfer

 

Matt Fitzpatrick’s dream has come true.  The talent from Sheffield has won his first Major – the US Open.  The Country Club in Brookline holds precious memories for Fitzpatrick.  It was in Brookline that the then 18-year old player won the 2013 US Amateur Open.

 

And, yes, naturally, Sunday was Father’s Day.  The perfect occasion to win the US Open.  An emotional moment not only for Matt Fitzpatrick but also for his parents and younger brother, Alex, who were in Brookline, USA.  The young golfing talent from Sheffield shed tears of joy with the realisation of his dream to win his first Major Championship – the 122nd US Open.

 

 

Many, many congratulations to you Matt Fitzpatrick.  You are now the proud winner of your first Major, the 122nd US Open!

 

 

Wendy Hoad

Editor

 

 

CHECK OUT the scores of your favorite players HERE.  By the way, Holland’s only player at The Country Club, Will Besseling, who was playing in his first US Open, made the weekend cut and finished with a score of 71-71-77-74.

 

 

MAIN PHOTOGRAPH:  A very proud moment for the newly-crowned 2022 US Open Champion Matt Fitzpatrick from England.  MINIS (l-r): Scottie Scheffler, Will Zalatoris, Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy.  BELOW: Matt Fitzpatrick gets a very close look at his putt.