Scottie Scheffler typically finds himself leading tournaments, with other PGA Tour players praising his unwavering performance, resilience, composure, precision, and strategic play. The World No. 1 is usually the one everyone else is trying to catch, often leaving competitors in awe of his dominance.
However, at the RBC Heritage this week, the roles have reversed.
On Saturday at Harbour Town, Scheffler began his round trailing 36-hole leader Matt Fitzpatrick by seven strokes. He rapidly narrowed the margin, carding a 5-under 31 on his front nine to surge into contention. As Fitzpatrick encountered early difficulties, Scheffler momentarily shared the lead heading into the final holes of his third round. Yet, Fitzpatrick, fresh off a Valspar victory and a runner-up finish at the Players, recovered his momentum with birdies on holes 9 and 12 to reclaim the lead. Scheffler concluded his round with birdies at 16 and 18, posting a stellar 7-under 64 to finish at 14 under par.
After Scheffler finalized his scorecard, he was close behind Fitzpatrick, but the 2022 U.S. Open winner then birdied the 14th and holed out for an eagle on the 15th, pushing his lead to three shots.
Last summer, when Scheffler effortlessly claimed victory at the Open, Fitzpatrick told the media that Scheffler was “in a different class.” This Saturday, however, while Fitzpatrick was completing a hard-fought 3-under 68, Scheffler found himself in an uncommon position: the pursuer, offering insights into what makes the current leader so impressive.
“I truly admire Fitzy for his incredible work ethic,” Scheffler commented after a bright, sunny day in Hilton Head. “He’s someone I consistently observe putting in the effort to perform at his best. He delves deep into his statistics, meticulous about ticking every possible box to ensure he plays well out here.
“Throughout his career, he’s consistently improved, making adjustments to get better. When he first started, his tee shots were much slower than they are now. He’s gained significant speed. While he doesn’t unleash it on every shot, he deploys it strategically when needed. Beyond being a diligent worker, I consider him an exceptionally intelligent player.”
Between 2019 and 2022, Fitzpatrick boosted his club head speed by over five miles per hour, now reaching speeds between 118-122 mph, up from around 112 mph. In 2019, he was 59th in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee; by the 2022 season, when he secured the U.S. Open, he had climbed to 10th. Although his performance saw a dip in 2024, Fitzpatrick has since returned to the top 20 in SG: Off the Tee and holds the World No. 7 ranking. This significant improvement and his current strong comeback stem from his deeply analytical and foundational approach to the game.
Viktor Hovland has observed Fitzpatrick’s methods firsthand and how his distinct strategy has allowed him to re-establish himself among the global elite in golf. While his system may not be universally applicable, Fitzpatrick remains unfazed by external opinions, sticking to his personal approach.
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“He dedicates himself immensely,” Hovland stated on Friday. “He’s remarkably methodical. It’s truly impressive to witness players who have their own unique methods for improvement, and he commits entirely to his. He dismisses outside criticism, confident in his own process.
“Throughout his career, he consistently wins tournaments and sharpens his skills. Should a weakness emerge in his game, he confronts it directly and improves, which I find genuinely admirable.”
Fitzpatrick will carry a three-stroke advantage over Scheffler into Sunday at what he considers his most cherished PGA Tour event, where he previously triumphed in a 2023 playoff against Jordan Spieth. That day saw a strong pro-Spieth crowd, and Fitzpatrick anticipates a similar atmosphere this Sunday as Scheffler aims to overtake him. “Provided they don’t yell during my backswing, they’re free to do as they please,” Fitzpatrick remarked on Saturday.
He is well aware that a three-shot cushion can disappear rapidly on Sunday when facing Scheffler, a constant fixture at the top of leaderboards. Although Fitzpatrick hasn’t been in contention as consistently as Scheffler, he has diligently honed his game under pressure.
Last year, he came to Harbor Town with his game struggling. A month later, he found himself competing at the PGA Championship before fading. He also contended at the Open, an event Scheffler dominated. Following that, he clinched the DP World Tour Championship, narrowly missed a playoff at the Players, and subsequently won the Valspar.
“It’s likely a different experience for Scottie and Rory, who frequently find themselves in these situations, vying for the lead week after week,” Fitzpatrick commented on Sunday nerves. “However, with more practice, I wouldn’t claim it ever becomes simpler, but it can certainly feel somewhat better, more familiar.”
Matt Fitzpatrick stands 18 holes from securing his second seasonal victory and his third global win since November. He recognizes that fending off Scheffler will be a significant challenge. Nevertheless, Matt Fitzpatrick is prepared for the demanding effort required on Sunday; this dedication is precisely what has brought him back to this strong position.
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