Matt Fitzpatrick's clutch birdie silences pro-American fans at Harbour Town

Matt Fitzpatrick gestures to the crowd after winning the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links on Sunday.Getty Images

Matt Fitzpatrick had faced American fans cheering against him before: several times at the Ryder Cup (he’s played in four of them) and once in a 2023 playoff versus Jordan Spieth at the RBC Heritage.

This was again the setting on Sunday, at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, S.C., as the 31-year-old Englishman dueled with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

And, just like three years ago, Fitzpatrick had the last laugh against an American fan favorite.

Despite the home crowd cheering heavily for Scheffler — and “USA!” chants on the property — Fitzpatrick beat Scheffler with a birdie on the first playoff hole to win for the second time in the last month. When Fitzpatrick rolled in his birdie putt on the first playoff hole, the par-4 18th, the crowd went eerily quiet.

But Fitzpatrick had little issue with the home crowd cheering against him.

“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,” Fitzpatrick said. “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. To describe it in my terms, it’s kind of winning away against your biggest rival. Nothing to do with Scottie or the players; it’s the fans that have sort of spurred me on there. It was nice to obviously win, but it never crossed the line. It was just loud. Just loud.”

Fitzpatrick started the day with a three-shot lead over Scheffler, who was the next closest competitor. But after Fitzpatrick made birdies on 1 and 3 he made par on the next 14. Scheffler made a late charge with birdies on 15 and 16, and they stepped to the signature 18th hole with Fitzpatrick leading by one. Both players missed the green with their approach, but Scheffler got up and down while Fitzpatrick could not, forcing the playoff.