World No.3 Matt Fitzpatrick gave his younger brother Alex the best gift of all, hitting an astonishing 35-yard bunker shot to set up a life-changing victory for his sibling at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

The Fitzpatrick brothers’ victory in the pair’s event means Alex will gain a two-year PGA Tour exemption as well as starts in the PGA Championship, the Players Championship and all the remaining US$20 million signature events this year.

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“I think it’s as good as it gets, isn’t it?” Alex said.

“It’s hard to describe. Winning the US Open is as good as that for sure,” Matt added.

The Englishmen started the final round with a four-shot lead after firing a tournament record 15-under par 57 in the third round, in the best ball format.

Things were a lot trickier in the alternate shot format on the final day, however, but a one-under par 71 with a birdie at the last was enough at TPC Louisiana.

They won by a shot in front of Norwegians Kristoffer Reitan and Kris Ventura, and Americans Alex Smalley and Hayden Springer at 31-under par.

Alex Fitzpatrick (L) of England and partner Matt Fitzpatrick of England pose with the trophy after winning the Zurich Classic of New Orleans 2026.Source: Getty Images

In a riveting finish, Matt pumped a long and straight drive off the tee at the par 5 18th to give themselves a look at avoiding a playoff.

Alex then made things a little more complicated as he nervily dumped the second shot into a bunker in front of the green.

After a double bogey on 12 and a bogey on 14 brought them back to the pack, it appeared another slip-up may be on the cards.

But the older brother ensured that would not be the case with some magic from the sand.

“It was a struggle. I was doing absolutely zero to help him apart from the putt I made on 15,” Matt said.

“I wasn’t really providing much support. He was fantastic on that back nine as he was yesterday as well.

“To finish that (was incredible). I said just give us a chance on the last and obviously to hit a bunker shot like that was nice to give him the easy tap-in there.”

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The unforgettable triumph also means that Alex may have to change his plans.

The world No. 141 has been plying his trade on the DP World Tour, including picking up a maiden win at the Indian Open last month.

But now, he will need to look at navigating his way around the United States rather than heading back to Europe.

“I don’t know, it won’t sink in. I’ve got a flight booked for Turkey tonight,” Alex said.

“It’s amazing to be here with him, (as well as) my mum and dad.

“A lot of hard work. I can’t believe we’ve done it.”

For Matt, the victory is his third of the season, having won last week’s signature event the RBC Heritage in a playoff thriller against world No.1 Scottie Scheffler as well as the Valspar Championship last month.

He leads the FedEx Cup standings as result, having also been runner-up at The Players Championship.