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Matt Fitzpatrick stuck a bunker shot to a foot on 18, and his little brother Alex walked away with a PGA Tour card through 2028. That's the kind of Sunday that changes a family tree.
IN THIS ISSUE
Matt Fitzpatrick Gave His Brother a Career on 18.
Korda Won Wire-to-Wire and It Was Never Close
Kirkland Goes Forged and Fairway Woods That Won’t Quit
Matchbox Update. ACC Match Play. Eight-bay Trackman club coming to North Hills
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PGA TOUR . ZURICH CLASSIC
Matt Fitzpatrick Gave His Brother a Career on 18
The Fitzpatrick brothers blew a four-shot lead on the back nine Sunday at TPC Louisiana, then Matt stuck a bunker shot on the par-5 18th to a foot to set up the winning birdie. Alex tapped in, crouched, covered his face, and then embraced his brother. The win gives the 27-year-old Alex exempt status on the PGA Tour through 2028, plus entry into the next four Signature Events and the 2027 PGA Championship.
Alex was grinding on the DP World Tour, ranked 161st in the world, trying to carve his own path while his brother collected trophies. Now he's exempt into the next four signature events and the 2026 PGA Championship. He called it the best week of his career, which is saying something for a guy who caddied for Matt's US Amateur win at 13.
"It can be hard sometimes when you're constantly chasing someone's accolades, but luckily it's my brother."
Four Wake Forest alums now full-time on the PGA Tour: Young, Zalatoris, Brennan, and Fitzpatrick. Winston-Salem keeps producing.
LPGA TOUR . CHEVRON CHAMPIONSHIP
Korda Won Wire-to-Wire and It Was Never Close
Nelly Korda won The Chevron Championship by five shots at Memorial Park in Houston, closing with a 70 to capture her third career major and reclaim the world No. 1 ranking. She led from her 16th hole on Thursday. Nobody got within four shots all weekend. The cannon ball into the pool was a nice touch, but the real statement was the scorecard: 18-under, one off Dottie Pepper's tournament record.
17 LPGA wins. Three majors. Back to No. 1. She's 27.
ALSO THIS WEEK
LIV and the PGA Tour Are Both Feeling the Squeeze — The PGA Tour cut 56 jobs this week and left 73 vacancies unfilled, moves CEO Brian Rolapp called "difficult but important" as Strategic Sports Group's influence tightens the bottom line.
Wiesberger Wins China Open After LIV Exit — Bernd Wiesberger won his first European tour title since 2021 after leaving LIV Golf when his contract ended.
LOOKING AHEAD
Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral
The Tour heads to Miami for the Cadillac Championship, a $20 million signature event on the Blue Monster at Trump National Doral. Scottie Scheffler (+295) returns after back-to-back runner-up finishes and is hunting his first win since January. Names to watch: Sam Burns (T-7 at Augusta, putting like a top-10 player), Cameron Young (+1500, riding form from a strong Masters), and Tommy Fleetwood, who keeps quietly cashing top-10 checks.
Kirkland Signature Forged Wedge Hits USGA List
A new Kirkland Signature Forged wedge appeared on the USGA Conforming List this week in 52, 56, and 60 degree options, both right and left handed. "Forged" is new for Kirkland: previous generations were cast with milled faces. No price yet, but Costco's last three-piece wedge set ran $160. Expect forged to cost more, but still far less than Vokeys. Based on typical timelines, these could hit shelves by June. Worth watching.
ALSO THIS WEEK
Some Fairway Woods Just Don't Age — Golf Monthly put together a list of 5 vintage fairway woods modern tech still can't beat. If your gamer is older than your car, you might be onto something.
TRIANGLE GOLF GUIDE
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Tobacco Road's Matchbox Short Course Opens in August
The Matchbox, a 12-hole short course at Tobacco Road, is on track for an August 2026 opening. Designed by Carlton Marshall Golf Design, the layout honors Mike Strantz's style with dramatic elevation changes, forced carries over water and railroad ties, and a bonus 13th hole connected via a shared double green with the 11th. Tees and greens are synthetic, meaning no irrigation and holes literally routed through the trees. One of the original Tobacco Road shapers, Mark White, is handling construction. If you're a Strantz fan, this is a must-play.
UNC Falls to Virginia in ACC Semis on a 20-Footer
The Tar Heels lost to Virginia 3-2 in ACC semifinal match play at Shark's Tooth Golf Club in Panama City Beach. The match went to extra holes after Grant Roscich drained a 20-foot birdie on 18 to force a playoff, but UVA's Josh Duangmanee answered with his own 20-footer on the first extra hole. Bright spot: freshman Carson Bertagnole beat the No. 2-ranked player in the NCAA, Ben James, 2&1. Carolina heads to NCAA Regionals May 18-20.
U.S. Open Local Qualifying Comes to NC
Two North Carolina sites are hosting U.S. Open local qualifiers in the coming weeks: River Landing in Wallace (May 6) and The Cardinal by Pete Dye in Greensboro (May 12). Final qualifying at Gaston Country Club in Gastonia is June 8. If you know someone taking a shot, wish them luck. Shinnecock is seven weeks out.
Intown Golf Club Opening at North Hills
A 13,000-square-foot indoor golf facility called Intown Golf Club is coming to North Hills in Raleigh's Innovation District. Eight Trackman-equipped simulator bays, food and cocktails, lessons, bag storage, and locker rooms. It's the brand's second NC location after Charlotte. No exact opening date yet, but it's expected this year. If you're in the North Hills orbit and looking for a winter option or a place to practice after work, this one's on the radar.
ALSO THIS WEEK
Omni Hotel Coming to Downtown Raleigh in 2028 — A 29-story, 600-room Omni Hotel is under construction on S. Salisbury St. and will include a golf simulator, Peter Millar coffee shop, and sports bar.
NC State's Woosley-Reed Posts 68 in ACC Final Round — Evan Woosley-Reed's Saturday 68 was the best Wolfpack card at ACCs, but State missed match play by four.
That's your read this week.
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