English Golfer Silences USA Crowd After Playoff Win

When American golf fans started chanting "USA-USA-USA" at him, Matt Fitzpatrick didn't get angry. He got even.

The 31-year-old English golfer faced down those chants on Sunday at the RBC Heritage in South Carolina, then beat World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in a playoff. After sinking the winning birdie putt, Fitzpatrick put his finger to his ear and smiled at the crowd.

His message was clear: Did you hear that?

Fitzpatrick entered the final round with a three-shot lead over Scheffler, but the American refused to go quietly. Scheffler posted a bogey-free 67 to force a playoff after Fitzpatrick stumbled with a bogey on the 72nd hole.

That's when the crowd turned up the volume with patriotic chants. But Fitzpatrick has heard it all before as a four-time Ryder Cup player for Europe.

"Americans are incredibly patriotic, and I think that was amazing," Fitzpatrick said after his victory. "I guess the only issue is they just have shorter memories because we won in October."

He was referring to Europe's dramatic Ryder Cup victories in both 2023 and 2025. The most recent one at Bethpage Black in New York got heated, with fans crossing the line and heckling European players during their swings.

Why This Inspires

Sunday's crowd stayed respectful, and Fitzpatrick appreciated it. "No one was shouting on backswings or anything like that, which was great," he explained.

He welcomed the energy and passion from fans supporting their home country's star. "You want golf to have an atmosphere in my opinion," Fitzpatrick said.

The Englishman grew up watching football (soccer) where passionate crowds are part of the sport's fabric. He sees the same potential for golf to create exciting moments that draw fans in.

"I'm paid so much money to be out there in front of those crowds," he said. "Having them chanting at you every week, it's a great feeling."

But here's what made Sunday special for Fitzpatrick: proving himself under pressure when the crowd wanted him to fail. "However, there's no better feeling than coming out on top against that," he said.

The victory marked Fitzpatrick's second RBC Heritage title and his second win in three starts this year. He won the same tournament in 2023, also in a playoff.

Sports rivalries bring out the best in athletes when respect stays at the heart of competition.