Matt Fitzpatrick is hoping he can mount a strong defence of his Alfred Dunhill Links Championship title in a bid to make a late push to qualify for the DP World Tour Play-Offs.
The Englishman enjoyed a week to remember at last year’s edition as he triumphed in both the individual DP World Tour event and alongside his mum, Susan, in the team event.
A long-standing favourite on his schedule, this week sees Fitzpatrick make his eighth appearance in the annual event - held across three of Scotland's best links courses in St Andrews' Old Course, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.
With the Major Champion coming into the week 123rd on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, Fitzpatrick needs to climb into the top 70 if he is to have a chance of being in the field for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, with the top 50 competing at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
Already spurred on by the chance to become just the second player - after European Ryder Cup team-mate Tyrrell Hatton - to win the individual title in back-to-back events, he knows he needs a big result if he is to prolong his campaign.
"Listen, if there is one tournament I want to play it is the DP World Tour Championship, a course I've played well on and know well and I love being there," said Fitzpatrick on Wednesday.
"The goal this week is to do what I need to do to try and qualify, but I also understand it's a long way off. My expectations are low. Just going to go out there and enjoy it."
Despite registering three top ten finishes worldwide this season, including at THE PLAYERS Championship on the PGA TOUR, Fitzpatrick feels 2024 has been close to his worst year since turning professional in 2014.
But the memories of his family triumph at the Home of Golf 12 months ago, when inclement weather reduced the tournament to three rounds, is giving him optimism as he looks to perform well over three revered links layouts.
"[To win] With my mum, nothing better," he said, adding that the photo of him alongside his mum, dad and fiancée Katherine on the Swilcan Bridge is very special to him.
"I said at the start of the week, I was concentrating on the team. That's what I did and managed to take both.
"It would be special (to win again). But got to play four days, not just three. We'll see how it goes. Just excitement, to be back playing, hopefully have good weather and a good week."
Following tradition 🖼️
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 2, 2024
Matt and Sue Fitzpatrick hang up their trophy picture in the Dunvegan. #dunhilllinks pic.twitter.com/i8eb6eDb29
Fitzpatrick will get his campaign under way on Thursday at Carnoustie, where fellow big-name players like Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre and Billy Horschel are also in action in the first round.
Such is his experience of links golf, particularly at St Andrews, the World Number 29 admits his preparations for playing at three different links venues are unlike any other event.
"I don't feel I need to put as much effort in because I know what's going on," he explained.
"Obviously the set-up is a little different to an Open Championship-type set-up. More relaxed, which is nice."
