Out of Matt's shadow and meeting Michael Jordan - Alex Fitzpatrick's rise

Alex Fitzpatrick's meteoric rise in golf has been nothing short of extraordinary. While celebrating his maiden DP World Tour win at the Indian Open in March, the 24-year-old found himself in the company of golf royalty at the Zurich Classic. As he basked in the glow of victory, a congratulatory hand landed on his shoulder – it was none other than basketball legend Michael Jordan. Fitzpatrick, who had long been a fan of the iconic player, was taken aback by the moment, describing it as "surreal" and "a different world."

Since his breakthrough, Fitzpatrick has proven his mettle on the PGA Tour, securing five top-10 finishes in 13 starts. Despite some cynics questioning the legitimacy of his two-year tour card, awarded following his win at the Zurich Classic, Fitzpatrick's confidence in his abilities has only grown. He has played alongside the world's best, including his older brother Matt, a 2022 US Open champion, but has been careful to maintain his own identity and goals.

Fitzpatrick's journey to the top has been fueled by a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn from those around him. He credits his improved performance to working with Mike Walker, a former coach of his brother, and has focused on shaping his own identity and aspirations. The younger Fitzpatrick is not content to simply follow in his brother's footsteps; he wants to forge his own path and make a name for himself in the sport.

As he prepares to compete in the Tour Championship, the season-ending event of the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup play-offs, Fitzpatrick remains focused on his immediate goals. Sitting 24th in the standings, he has earned a guaranteed £260,000, even if he finishes last in the 30-man field. For the aspiring golfer, playing in the biggest tournaments and rubbing shoulders with basketball royalty is a surreal and life-changing experience.