Matt Fitzpatrick's stellar performance at the Scottish Open has sparked a debate: is this the best golf of his career? With three PGA Tour wins this year, including a playoff victory over Scottie Scheffler, Fitzpatrick is making a strong case for himself as the top golfer of 2026. His rise from 22nd in the Official World Golf Rankings to fourth is a testament to his current form, and he's now just one shot back of the leading group at The Renaissance Club.
Fitzpatrick's current season is, in his own words, the best golf he's played in his career. This is supported by Data Golf's evaluation, which ranks this year as the 218th best of any player since 1983, compared to 219th for his 2022 US Open win. His Strokes Gained numbers also show significant improvements in his iron play and around the greens, although his putting has been a bit of a struggle.
What makes this season particularly fascinating is the combination of his strong performance and the personal significance of his wins. The RBC Heritage, an event close to his heart, and the Zurich Classic, won alongside his brother, have added to his already impressive tally. These wins, along with his current form, could make this season the best of Fitzpatrick's career.
However, one thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between his current form and his 2022 US Open win. While he's playing the best golf of his life, his 2022 season was still a standout. This raises a deeper question: is consistency the key to being the best golfer, or is it the occasional spectacular performance that defines greatness?
From my perspective, Fitzpatrick's current form is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His ability to consistently perform at a high level is impressive, but it's the occasional spectacular performance that truly sets him apart. What many people don't realize is that golf is a game of ups and downs, and the ability to bounce back from a bad patch is just as important as the good times. If you take a step back and think about it, the true measure of a golfer's greatness is not just the number of wins, but the ability to maintain a high level of performance over a long period of time.
In conclusion, while Fitzpatrick's current form is undoubtedly impressive, it's the combination of consistency and spectacular performances that will define his legacy. As he continues to contend for wins and climb the rankings, he'll undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the world of golf. This season could very well be the best of his career, but only time will tell if he can maintain this form and truly cement his place among the all-time greats.
