Alex Fitzpatrick may have asked big brother Matt for a few pointers ahead of his professional debut at the 2022 Horizon Irish Open but he insists he is going to do things his own way.
The Fitzpatrick family made global headlines less than three weeks ago when Matt claimed a maiden Major title at the U.S. Open Championship, prompting emotional scenes on the 18th green with Alex, along with their parents Russell and Sue.
Having watched his brother make history at The Country Club, Brookline, 23-year-old Alex is now ready to make his own mark on the professional game at the same event where Matt entered the paid ranks in 2014.
Alex enjoyed an impressive amateur career, making Walker Cup appearances in 2019 and 2021 and made the cut at last year's Cazoo Open supported by Gareth Bale, before playing at the PGA TOUR's Valspar Championship three months ago.
The elder brother claimed a share of 29th position when he made his professional debut at the island of Ireland's national open, kicking off a career which has thus far yielded a Major title among seven other DP World Tour victories, and Alex admits he has not been scared to ask for advice.
"I have asked him a few questions but we've not gone into great detail," he said. "I live with him this year and he's probably fed up with me by now. I'll ask him a few questions about the course and not asking too much more. Just trying to figure out for myself.
"I think especially this week it's about enjoying it. It's your first one. It's hard to go in there thinking, almost like all guns blazing, but I'm just hoping to play some good golf and hopefully that will take care of a good result. Just try and enjoy this week and make the most of it.
"We're different in a lot of ways. Our games are completely different. I would say he's a great driver of the golf ball and a great putter, and I would say my iron and short game would be better than his.
"Hard to say when he's just won the U.S. Open. I think if we were one player, we would be pretty good as well.
"Mainly he tells me all the time, 'Hit it straight and you'll be just fine'. If I can start doing the same stuff he does, then hopefully I'll be fine."
Hopefully it might open a few doors, but if it doesn't, I still have to play good golf and if I don't play good golf, then doors will be shut
Fitzpatrick admits life has been a "whirlwind" since his brother won his maiden Major but he is now excited to start his own journey, even if it is similar to Matt's thus far.
“I found out about the invite probably two or three weeks ago, I was incredibly excited," he said.
“So obviously it's funny, following in your brother's footsteps but sometimes that isn't a bad thing, especially the route that he's gone.
"Hopefully it might open a few doors, but if it doesn't, I still have to play good golf and if I don't play good golf, then doors will be shut.
"Just all about enjoying myself and working hard and hopefully get some good results."
