Matt Fitzpatrick hits UNBELIEVABLE shot to win RBC Heritage in extra holes
Matt Fitzpatrick hit an unbelievable second shot on the third playoff hole to win the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage over Jordan Spieth.
Matt Fitzpatrick hit one of the best shots of his career Sunday at Harbour Town Golf Links to win the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage over Jordan Spieth on the third playoff hole.
Fitzpatrick entered Sunday's final round with a one-stroke lead over Patrick Cantlay, while Spieth was two strokes back at 12-under.
Spieth, the defending champion after beating Cantlay in a playoff last year, had taken over as the leader mid-way through the round. However, two late birdies on the back nine brought Fitzpatrick to 17-under alongside the American.
Fitzpatrick, 28, took an aggressive line on his 72nd hole, but was unable to sink his birdie putt and instead the pair went to a playoff.
Spieth and Fitzpatrick then competed in a ball-striking masterclass in the extra holes, but neither could sink a winning putt. Spieth had a chance at the second playoff hole, the par-3 17th, but his putt barely lipped out to send it to a third extra hole.
That's when Fitzpatrick channeled the same brilliance that brought him the win in Brookline for his first major last June.
The reigning U.S. Open champion stuck an 186-yard shot to 12 inches for an easy tap-in birdie.
Spieth, in his attempt, landed his ball 33-feet from the pin and was unable to force a fourth playoff hole.
What. A. Shot. @MattFitz94 nearly holes it for the win on the third playoff hole. pic.twitter.com/hIhOz9owmX
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 16, 2023
It marks Fitzpatrick's second victory on the PGA Tour, and the ninth professional win in his career. It was a perfect setting for Fitzpatrick to claim his second PGA Tour victory as he's been visiting Hilton Head Island in South Carolina with his family since he was a child.
Playing in the group Sunday with Fitzpatrick and Spieth was Cantlay, who's been in the news all week after being accused of slow pace of play during The Masters.
And a rather unique situation at the par-3 14th certainly won't help his case.
The 31-year-old mishit his second shot, and his ball just barely held onto the wall of the island green.
Your ball ends up here ...
Take a drop or play it as it lies? pic.twitter.com/HvT4PwlkO8— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 16, 2023
After taking a bit of time to consider his options, Cantlay ultimately decided to hit his ball from its lie, and pulled off an incredible chip en route to making bogey. He rebounded with a clutch birdie at the 18th to finish alone in third at 16-under.
Well played, @Patrick_Cantlay pic.twitter.com/i9LLurtFYi
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 16, 2023
Jon Rahm, who still played this week despite winning The Masters last Sunday, put up a valiant effort that was well-received by the spectators at Harbour Town Golf Links.
The @RBC_Heritage fans showing lots of love to the reigning Masters champion. pic.twitter.com/NHBeBX9Mey
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 16, 2023
The Spaniard received a warm reception as he approached the 18th green, and while he ultimately finished the tournament at 11-under in a tie for fifteenth, he certainly won over the crowd in South Carolina.
