Alex Fitzpatrick hit a sparkling seven-under-par 64 to seize a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow.<\/p>\n
The 27-year-old younger brother of former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick produced an inspired display, carding eight birdies to move to 14 under par and put himself in pole position for a maiden individual PGA Tour title.<\/p>\n
Fitzpatrick leads Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan, who also posted a 64, by a single stroke.<\/p>\n
It is just a fortnight since the Fitzpatrick brothers won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans pairs event, which secured a two-year tour card for Alex, who is ranked 120th in the world.<\/p>\n
World number two Rory McIlroy, a four-time winner at this venue, suffered a frustrating Saturday, carding a four-over-par 75 to fall out of contention.<\/p>\n
Starting the day two shots off the lead, Fitzpatrick surged forward with five birdies on the front nine.<\/p>\n
Despite a stumble with a bogey at the 16th, he responded immediately by sinking an eight-foot putt for birdie at the par-three 17th to regain his narrow advantage.<\/p>\n
“The one thing that I kind of did a really good job today was embracing everything that’s going on,” Fitzpatrick said.<\/p>\n
“I had so much support out there, which was amazing.<\/p>\n
“I would love to win. I would give a lot to win. But also if winning doesn’t happen, I would hope it would happen at some point. As long as I can go out and enjoy it, that’s all I can do.”<\/p>\n