Getting to know: Matthew Fitzpatrick

Matthew Fitzpatrick is a three-time European Tour winner, played in the 2016 Ryder Cup and is defending the Nordea Masteres in Sweden this week – but how well do you know the 22-year-old from Sheffield?

We chatted to the World No. 40 about his favourite things, including Chicago, his favourite view in golf and the club he favours most in his golf bag. 

How old were you when you first broke par? I must have been 13 or 14. I can’t remember what I shot, but it would have been at my home club [Hallamshire GC].

Highlight of your career so far? Either winning the DP World Tour Championship or the US Amateur. The latter is a really big deal, so that means a lot to me

Best shot to date? Holing the winning putt at the DP World last year. I would love to have that feeling again.

One mulligan you could have? Maybe I’ve been lucky, but there’s nothing that really stands out or has really cost me. Touch wood that doesn’t change anytime soon.

Favourite UK course? Turnberry. I haven’t played there since all the changes, but I’ve heard really good things. It’s supposed to be fantastic.

Favourite US course? Harbour Town. I just love the layout. There are some cracking holes, and I really like the area around it as well. 

Favourite hole? I’m a big fan of 7 at Augusta. It’s literally dead straight but tight as anything and with a severley-elevated green.

Best scenery in golf?  The 7th at Crans-sur-Sierre in Switzerland is unbelievable with the mountains in the backdrop. Whenever I play the European Masters there, that’s the hole I really look forward to. 

Favourite club in the bag? My ‘Yes!’ putter. I’ve had the same model for about eight years now. 

Favourite non-golf sports event? It’s got to be Wimbledon. There’s nowhere better. I’ve been twice now and I’ll be going again this year.

Favourite sports team? Sheffield United

Sportspeople you admire? Tiger was always the one growing up. I’ve always tried to be my own man, but I do really admire my coaches Mike Walker and Pete Cowen. They have great personalities and are very grounded. 

And sportswoman? Serena Williams. Her career is unbelievable and she’s probably the greatest of all time. 

All time favourite move? One of the Batman films. The Dark Knight Rises probably just shades it. 

Not to be missed TV show? The Blacklist. James Spader is so good. 

Favourite musician/ band? Drake

Favourite holiday destination? Chicago. I went to university 30 minutes north of the city. In winter it gets a little bit cold but in the summer it’s awesome. I go back there a lot. 

Who would be in your dream fourball? Jose Mourinho, Scarlett Johansson and I’d probably bring my dad along too. 

Best mate on Tour? Martin Kaymer. We’re good pals and he’s pretty down to earth. 

Your dream Tour fourball? Jack Nicklaus, Tiger and probably Ben Hogan. I’d partner with Tiger, but I do think Jack is the greatest. He won 18 Majors; you can’t argue with that.