Matt Fitzpatrick on a memorable 2016 after World Tour victory

Matt Fitzpatrick poses with the trophy and his parents Russell and Sue Fitzpatrick.

Matt Fitzpatrick sealed his place as one of the most exciting and hottest young talents in golf over the weekend after winning the DP World Tour Championship after an epic battle with fellow countryman Tyrrell Hatton.

Just two years to the day that Fitzpatrick earned his Tour card he showed incredible character to hold his nerve, birdieing the last to steal victory from 25-year-old Hatton in the Dubai desert.

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For those asking just how much potential Fitzpatrick possesses it is worth point out that the legendary Sir Nick Faldo did not win his third European Tour title at such a young age, highlight his incredible progress since turning pro in 2014.

Only time will tell but the way things are progressing you could well be looking at the next multi Major-winning British golfer and here is what the youngster makes of it all.

How does being the DP World Tour champion feel?

“Words can’t describe it. It’s not going to sink in for a while. It’s been a special year and then to end it like this with a win is amazing.

“It’s two years to the day that I got my card at the qualifying school. It’s crazy. It’s all happened so fast. Now I feel this win gives me the confidence to push further and further and see what we can do next season.”

You’re good friends with Danny Willett, so has his Masters win inspired you?

“It was great to see, especially as I know him so well so can pick his brains because a)
I speak to him regularly and b) because I play golf with him regularly. He does everything well – eats right, goes to the gym and he’s very organised with his time. It was no surprise that he won.”

Who have been the biggest influences on your career so far?

“My mum and dad have been massive for me as have my two coaches, Mike Walker and Pete Cowen – I owe a lot to all of them, especially my parents: not just because they got me started but they’re a great sounding board, particularly my dad. He knows all about the game and is a half-decent player himself. He was never a pro or elite amateur, just a clever bloke who knows what he’s doing when it comes to all this sort of stuff.”

Who comes to your aid when you need advice?

“I get a lot of advice from my two coaches. Player-wise I speak a lot to Danny Willett and I’m pretty good friends now with Martin Kaymer, a very good professional who I find very interesting to talk to about a lot of things. They’re both very good sounding boards.

Is Sheffield the sporting capital of England?
That’s right! Besides Danny and myself, we’ve got England cricketer Joe Root, former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, two great football clubs, and boxer Kell Brook.
I think they must put something in the water! All we need to do now is find a tennis player and we’re sorted!”

What are your golfing ambitions?

“In the long-term I want to try and make the PGA Tour and play half and half. Obviously that’s where the big guys are and want to play. Danny has just joined and Sergio is over there. But I’ll always make sure I play half and half by playing over here as well. It would be stupid of me not to want to play over here – the atmosphere is fantastic for most tournaments. For me, it’s about getting that PGA Tour card and playing 50-50.”

How can average players improve?

“Practise hard at putting from six feet makes a big difference and practise a lot, as daft as it sounds, with the driver. Hitting a lot of fairways is very important. Many golfers go to the range, but there is no real focus with the driver – they just whack it. But you should concentrate on keeping it as straight as you can. I can hit it pretty long and straight owing to following what my coaches have told me. I think you ingrain your technique over time and that’s what does it for me.”

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