Fitzpatrick beats Scheffler in Heritage play-off

England’s Matt Fitzpatrick secured a dramatic victory over world number one Scottie Scheffler in a playoff to win the RBC Heritage golf tournament in South Carolina. Fitzpatrick, who began the final round with a three-shot lead, finished tied with Scheffler at 18 under par after both players struggled on the 18th hole. Despite a bogey on the final hole, Fitzpatrick rebounded quickly in the playoff, sinking a birdie putt on the first extra hole to claim his second PGA Tour title in just over a month. Fitzpatrick’s win comes on the back of a strong run of form, including a recent victory at the Valspar Championship and a runner-up finish at the Players Championship. The 31-year-old former US Open champion maintained composure under pressure, especially after his chip shot on the 18th hole in regulation play led to a bogey, allowing Scheffler to force the playoff. Scheffler, 29, who had also finished second at the Masters the previous week, praised Fitzpatrick’s clutch performance throughout the tournament, acknowledging the Englishman’s ability to deliver when it mattered most. South Korean golfer Si-woo Kim finished third at 16 under par after a final-round 68, two strokes behind the leaders. The RBC Heritage victory marks a significant milestone for Fitzpatrick, reinforcing his status as one of the rising stars on the PGA Tour. For Scheffler, the runner-up finish adds to a series of near misses in major tournaments, highlighting the competitive intensity at the top of men’s professional golf. The tournament’s conclusion underscores the fine margins between victory and defeat at the highest level of the sport.