Matthew Fitzpatrick ‘Masters’ Woburn

• English star seals first-ever European Tour victory
• Final round 68 seals two-shot win at Woburn
• “It really doesn’t get much better than this” he says

Matthew Fitzpatrick confirmed his status as one of British golf’s brightest young stars by claiming his maiden European Tour title with a two-shot victory in the British Masters supported by Sky Sports.

The 21-year-old Englishman had the luxury of being able to bogey the closing hole for a second consecutive round of 68 to finish on 15-under-par, with WGC-Bridgestone Invitational winner Shane Lowry, Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen and Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti sharing second place on 13-under.

Fitzpatrick, the youngest player in the field, had previously had four top three finishes in 2015 but hit top form to claim the first prize of €671,549 at Woburn.

“This year, my goal was to keep my card and I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to do that.” – Matthew Fitzpatrick

“It doesn’t really get much better than this I guess,” said the former US Amateur champion. “I don’t really know what to say. It’s just been an unbelievable day, and to top it off with a win, it’s certainly made the year a lot better I guess.

“This year, my goal was to keep my card and, to be honest, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to do that after the start of my year. But I managed to start playing well and making more cuts and just picking up cheques, and then the past two months, I guess, I really got going. I made a lot of money and was able to secure my card in the Race to Dubai. It’s great.”

Tournament host Ian Poulter closed with a round of 72 to finish on four under par in a share of 33rd position, before helping to hand over the trophy to Fitzpatrick. The Ryder Cup hero was particularly pleased to see the tournament – back on the schedule after a seven-year absence – so well supported, with over 60,000 fans turning out across the four days.

“They have come out in the thousands and that’s what this place needs,” said Poulter. “British golf has been away for too long. Being able to bring this tournament back the way we have, has been a huge honour. I’m very proud to be associated with this golf course and the golf club itself.”

A decision on the venue for the 2016 British Masters has still to be confirmed but bunkered.co.uk understands that it is likely to take place at the London Club, with 2013 US Open champion Justin Rose taking over the host’s mantle from Poulter.

Matthew Fitzpatrick :: Is he the new Rory?

His impressive performances this season, capped with his maiden tour title over the weekend, have got some people suggesting that Matthew Fitzpatrick could be England’s answer to Rory McIlroy. But what do you think? Does the 21-year-old have major wins in his future? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor