A fascinating subplot is brewing at the Omega European Masters heading into the weekend. After the second round at Crans Montana, 2022 US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick (12 under) sits atop the leaderboard. Fitzpatrick, who turned 29 on Friday, has been a late-tee-time regular on the PGA Tour the last few seasons, so that’s no real surprise. A mere two strokes behind him in second place, however, is a very interesting name: Alex Fitzpatrick.
Yes, as in Matt’s little brother Alex Fitzpatrick. Needless to say, this sets up a juicy battle in Switzerland. Golf fans will get to watch a sibling rivalry play out in real time with more than $450,000 on the line. Obviously Matt, who has won this event twice before, was asked about the brotherly battle after his round on Friday, and from the sound of things, he’s still not sure how to feel about it.
“It’s going to be a nightmare for my parents.” You can say that again, Matt.
If you think the pair are conflicted about competing against each other this weekend, just imagine being mom and pop Fitzpatrick. On one hand, Alex—who has spent much of his season on the Challenge Tour despite a strong showing by the 24-year-old at Royal Liverpool in July—is hunting for his first DP World Tour win. On the other, well, we all know how much parents love their first-borns. It’s a tough one.
There is another way to look at it, though. While this may seem like a lose-lose, it doesn’t take a pair of rose-colored glasses to see it as a win-win. Either way, the Fitzpatrick elders walk away winners, content in the knowledge they raised two talented, upstanding young men. Unless, of course, Romain Langasque steals it. Now that really would be a nightmare.
