Alex Fitzpatrick hopeful of making Open cut on debut after solid second round
- Planet Sport writer
- 21 July 2023
The brother of major winner Matt was pleased with his efforts on Friday.
Open debutant Alex Fitzpatrick felt a weight had been lifted after producing a strong showing in his second round at Royal Liverpool on Friday.
The 24-year-old - brother of former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick - carded a one-under-par 70 to move to two over for the tournament and greatly improve his chances of making the cut.
Fitzpatrick, who teed off in the first group of day at 6.35am, undid some of his good work with back-to-back bogeys at the 16th and 17th but recovered to birdie the last.
After all the pressure and attention that has accompanied his appearance in Hoylake, Fitzpatrick admitted he was relieved to be back in the clubhouse after an anxious walk up the 18th.
The qualifier said: "I was still very stressed. I was three over playing the last. I didn't know what the cut was going to be - if it was going to be three, if it was going to be two.
"It could go to four for all I know, but at that point all I was thinking about was trying to get up and down and give myself a putt for birdie, and luckily I did.
"As soon as the ball went in, just a massive weight off my shoulders.
"It was a long grind out there. I definitely didn't have my best game by any means.
"I'm happy I'm in the clubhouse now and not out playing still."
