Matt Fitzpatrick, who is four years older than his brother Alex, has never been able to beat him in a major match. Both brothers missed each other at junior tournaments, and they have played on separate professional tours.
The sibling rivalry could get a little more heated this weekend, at the DP World Tour Omega European Masters held in Switzerland’s idyllic Crans-surSierre Golf club.
Matt Bjork has a one stroke advantage over Alexander Bjork after a second-round 65. While the eight-time DP World Tour champion and 2022 U.S. Open winner is still battling to make the European Ryder Cup Team, his brother Alex is only two strokes back and firmly in contention.
This could cause stress for the entire family.
Matt joked that it would be a nightmare to his parents.
It’s going be a nightmare!
Battling it out against your brother #OEM2023 https://t.co/G2xGgoIolR pic.twitter.com/Z04ZvbNfBW
— DP World Tour 1 September 2023
Alex is excited to be able to help his brother, who has shot two consecutive 65s and is tied for third place with Frenchman Romain Laganasque.
He said, “He is my brother, but he is also a competitive person so I am still trying to beat his record.” “I shot five below par and gained no ground today, so that was frustrating. It would be great. It would be good.
Alex is still on fire after winning the European Challenge Tour in May. Wake Forest’s Alex finished second at the ISPS Handa World Invitational held in Northern Ireland, and he also placed T-14 last week in the Czech Masters.
While Matt believes that a head to head scenario would be a major nerve-wracking experience for Susan and Russell’s parents, Alex thinks that a pairing in the final round could benefit them.
He said, “Our parents will probably be happy to know that they only have to walk once instead of twice.”
Matt is almost certain to be chosen for the European team at the Ryder Cup despite his winless record of 0-5-0 from two previous appearances.
He has also added speed to his game, and he knows how to handle pressure in the biggest moments of sport. The 29-year old Englishman is expected to be a part of this team in the near future. His familiarity with the course will also help, as he was runner-up for the 2022 Italian Open after losing a play-off against Robert MacIntyre.
