Fatiha Betscher at St. Andrews
Matt Fitzpatrick teamed with his proud mum Susan to make it an historic ‘mother and son’ victory double at the rain-affected Alfred Dunhill Links Championship here in St. Andrews.
Fitzpatrick, playing in his first event since being a member of last week’s victorious European Ryder Cup side, produced a final round of a six-under 66 over the famed Old Course to win by three shots at 19-under-par and in the event where two full days were lost and, as such, reduced to three rounds.
Three players – Kiwi and defending champ Ryan Fox (66) along with Fitzpatrick’s fellow England players Macus Armitage (66) and Matthew Southgate (66) – shared second place at 16-under.
Of note, and in what also must also be a strange first in the history of the DP World Tour, is the fact Armitage was competing north at Carnoustie while Fitzpatrick, Fox and Southpage were on the Old Course at St. Andrews. Armitage still had some five holes to play in his round and he was making a move with three birdies late in his round ahead of a 17th hole bogey that sealed his fate and also confirmed the win for Fitzpatrick.
It was only then the prize-presenentation ceremony at St. Andrews could go ahead.
The win is also Fitzpatrick’s first since capturing last year’s US Open championship as well as his ninth Tour win and the 10th success of his pro career after earlier this year capturing the RBC Heritage on the PGA Tour.
Mother and son easily won the team format by five shots thanks to a 35-under-par total.
Victory for the Fitzpatrick’s is historic as it is the only time family members have won both events, the individual and team, and this after the scenario in 2003 when Scotland’s Sam Torrance teamed with his son, Daniel to win the team format of the event but Sam had missed the traditional third round cut ruling them out on the Dunhill winning double.
There was uncertanity until around 8am early on Monday if the $US5m event would go ahead with a third round after some 100mm of rain had fallen on the three host courses located in the east of Scotland, leading to no play whatsoever on Saturday or Sunday.
Hardest hit was Carnoustie with video footage early afternoon Sunday showing much of the championship course under water, and leaving many believing that a ‘no play’ decision at Carnoustie was likely. If so, it would have meant all three courses closing down to any further play.
However, greens staff worked tirelessly well before daylight on Monday to get Carnoustie at least playable, even it meant a number of local rules in place given the state of the course.
It is understood it is only the second occasion since the inaugural 2001 Alfred Dunhill Links that there has been a Monday finish.
Naturally, Fitzpatrick was delighted to win with mum as a partner. Susan, who is sporting a brace on her left leg after breaking her knee, began playing golf at the Tankersley Park course in Sheffield, and this year is her second appearance in the Dunhill.
“It’s amazing. Winning is difficult. And for me, like I had a chance a few weeks ago in Switzerland and that one hurt a lot. Felt like I had been playing better than I had in the summer”, said Fitzpatrick.
“And this week, funny, really. It was kind of a bit of a free-wheeling week and just playing with my mum and trying to enjoy it as best I can and see what happened. Then played really well at Carnoustie and just got on a hot run these last two rounds.
“To have my mum as a partner, to have a family photograph on the Swilcan Bridge, and to also birdie the last was one hundred per cent amazing.
“She broke her left knee and now has no cartilage in it, so I know she is in serious, serious pain. So, to win with my mum in so much discomfort is even more special.
“It doesn’t get any better than this. Winning at St Andrews, yeah, it’s just a very special place. We’ve been coming here for a long, long time as well, and yes, it doesn’t get better.
“Winning with my Mum. Easily. Easily. Yeah, she’s been wanting to play all year and she’s been looking forward to it. To go out there and play as well as you did and as well as I did as well, it’s amazing to win together.
And a word from his mum, Susan.
“It’s been such a great week. It’s amazing they managed to get us out today but it’s been such a great day today”, she said. “I enjoyed the course and played at a great pace. It’s been lovely so it’s been another great week”.
So, it begs the question. Who gets to retain the team trophy?
“We each get a trophy for winning the team event, so there will be no arguments who looks after the trophy”, said Fitzpatrick smiling.
“If there was just one, then she would have it. She gets whatever she wants (laughing)”.
Tom McKibbin finished the best of the Irish producing a closing round 66 to share 14th place at 12-under at Carnoustie.
Next best of the Irish contingent was Mark Power producing a third and closing score of 66 at Kingsbarns Links and share 44th place at eight-under.
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