Sports

Matt Fitzpatrick Applauds Respectful RBC Heritage Crowd That Rooted For His Downfall

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© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images


Matt Fitzpatrick won the RBC Heritage in a playoff with Scottie Scheffler. The crowd was openly rooting for his downfall. He enjoyed every moment.

The golfer was asked about the fan reaction following his PGA Tour win. The atmosphere fueled his run to victory.

The win provided Fitzpatrick with his second triumph in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Both have come in dramatic fashion.

In 2023, he took home a $3.6 million payday by beating Jordan Spieth in overtime golf. He did the same three years later against the game’s best player.

Matt Fitzpatrick won the RBC Heritage.

Fitzpatrick held a three-shot lead heading into Sunday’s final round at the Harbour Town Golf Links. He’d recorded rounds of 65, 63, and 68 on his way to -17.

Scheffler entered the final day in second place. The world’s top-ranked golfer stormed back to force a playoff by shooting 67.

Fans at the course wanted nothing more than to see Scheffler complete the comeback. They actively rooted against Fitzpatrick during the last round.

Fitzpatrick would ensure they’d go home unhappy.

The Englishman birdied the first playoff hole to eliminate Scheffler from contention. He jabbed back at the crowd after picking up the win. It was pure cinema.

After the tournament, Fitzpatrick was asked about the boos received from the crowd. He applauded the fans for their enthusiasm.

Fans were respectful.

The RBC Heritage crowd did not cross the line, though some were critical of the Matt Fitzpatrick hate.

“It didn’t get out of line in terms of no one was shouting on backswings or anything like that, which was great. I’m all for it,” he said. “I love the people — they’re supporting Scottie; that’s great.

“You want golf to have an atmosphere in my opinion. I grew up watching football. I’m paid so much money to be out there in front of those crowds, having them chanting at you every week, it’s great feeling.

“However, there’s no better feeling than coming out on top against that. There isn’t a better feeling.”

The boo birds fueled Fitzpatrick in his victory. He reveled in quieting the fans.

The USA vs. Europe ending had a Ryder Cup feel. The crowd in South Carolina clearly wanted to see one of its own win the Red Plaid Jacket.

It didn’t happen. Matt Fitzpatrick made sure of it. He’ll cash another $3.6 million with the victory. He seemed to take more pleasure in beating the opposing fans than he did in topping Scheffler.