Matt Fitzpatrick not a fan of Southern Hills course despite impressive start at PGA Championship
- Seb Sternik
- 20 May 2022
After two strong rounds at the US PGA Championship, Matt Fitzpatrick has put himself in title contention - that’s despite his dislike for the Oklahoma course.
The world number 17 is looking to win his first major title, and things are certainly looking promising for the Englishman after posting scores of 69 and 68 in his first two rounds.
Apart from handling swirling winds, Fitzpatrick also had to come to terms with a course which is far from his liking.
When asked his thoughts about Southern Hills, the 27-year-old said: "My dad called me and he was asking how is the course looking and, no offence to the PGA here, but I was like, it's a typical PGA, it's long and tough and just not really my cup of tea.
"(But) this year I've got a lot longer and it showed a lot the first two days with the clubs that I've been hitting into holes. Hopefully it's a sign things are changing a little bit for me and (will) open a few more doors on other golf courses."
Matt Fitzpatrick birdied the 11th hole at Southern Hills to get to three-under-par in round two at the PGA Championship ️⛳️ pic.twitter.com/HMX1PYodMy
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) May 20, 2022
Fitzpatrick doesn't boast a great record in majors, with a tie for seventh at the 2016 Masters being his only top 10 finish.
Despite ruling himself out of contention at a number of courses used for golf's biggest four events, Fitzpatrick is setting his sights on next month's US Open at Brookline.
The Boston course is the same location where the Englishman won his US Amateur title back in 2013.
He added: "I'll be honest, I think probably 2016, 2017, 2018, maybe my world ranking was probably better than where my game was.
"I think probably that's why I never really kind of challenged, hovering around the top 50.
"I think the last three years I feel like I've been closer. I feel like this is the best I've played ever in my career this year so far.
"I play well at places that suit me or I enjoy playing, and I think some of the places that we go don't necessarily do that for me. That's just the way it is.
"I look back at Harding Park (2020 US PGA) and there was no way in hell I ever had a chance there. I'm hoping in four weeks' time that I'm going to have every chance and everyone else is going to be terrible. We'll see.
"Certainly in the last few years I feel like I'm getting closer to not necessarily challenging for a major, but at least putting myself in contention a little bit more often."
