Matt Fitzpatrick's stellar performance at the Scottish Open has sparked discussions about the pinnacle of his golfing career. With three PGA Tour wins this year, including a playoff victory against Scottie Scheffler, Fitzpatrick is making a strong case for being the best golfer in 2026. His rise from 22nd in the Official World Golf Rankings to fourth position is a testament to his exceptional skills. The question on everyone's mind is whether this season surpasses his US Open victory in 2022. Fitzpatrick himself believes so, stating that the current stretch of his career, starting from February, is the best golf he has ever played.
The numbers seem to agree. Data Golf's evaluation ranks Fitzpatrick's current season as the 218th best since 1983, while his 2022 US Open win is ranked 219th. This indicates a significant improvement in his overall performance. Furthermore, his Strokes Gained numbers reveal that Fitzpatrick's iron play and green-side accuracy are at their peak. Interestingly, despite his overall success, this season has been his worst for putting, which could be a factor in his overall ranking.
Fitzpatrick's achievements this year include winning the RBC Heritage, a highly regarded event, and the Zurich Classic alongside his brother, securing his PGA Tour card. These victories, coupled with his consistent performance, make a strong case for this season being the pinnacle of his career. As he aims to double his major tally at The Open Championship, the golfing world eagerly awaits his next move. The question remains: can he maintain this form and solidify his place as one of the best golfers in the world?
