Matt Fitzpatrick’s return to the top five in the world rankings came after a dramatic tumble to 85th just a year earlier, a fall that coincided with major changes in his coaching setup. The English golfer’s slump deepened following his split with long-time coach Mike Walker and caddie Billy Foster in early 2025. But since hiring Alabama-based coach Mark Blackburn, Fitzpatrick has revived his form, winning three PGA Tour events in 2026 and reclaiming a place among the sport’s elite.
May 2025 was the low point for Fitzpatrick, who had been a major champion since his 2022 US Open triumph but suddenly found himself struggling for consistency. He told Golf Monthly that the break with Walker was difficult but necessary. “It’s obviously difficult. I felt like I knew where I’d been to in the game at that point, and you’re always trying to get back to that, particularly when you feel it slipping away from you,” he said.
The technical changes under Blackburn have focused heavily on Fitzpatrick’s iron play. The Englishman described the adjustments as “very, very different” from his previous style but said he now feels comfortable hitting the shots he wants. This renewed confidence with the irons has improved his distance control, which in turn has created more birdie opportunities. “When you pair that with some good putting, then good things tend to happen,” he said.
The results followed quickly. Fitzpatrick returned to top-10 finishes at the year’s remaining majors, the PGA Championship and The Open, before closing 2025 with a win at the DP World Tour Championship, where he beat Rory McIlroy. The momentum from that victory extended into 2026, with three PGA Tour wins adding to his career total of five.
Reflecting on his recent successes, Fitzpatrick highlighted the mental side of his game, especially his ability to grind out results on the back nine. “Just everything about the way we did it—how we sort of ended up grinding on the back nine to get it over the line in the end—it was amazing,” he said.
Looking ahead, Fitzpatrick remains focused on the biggest tournaments. He mentioned the possibility of starting next season in Ireland and noted that his younger brother, who is also playing golf, would make the experience more enjoyable. However, he emphasized that personal milestones are secondary to his ambitions in the majors. “World No.1 is obviously something that I would want to achieve, too. But the Majors are the things, for me, that separate the greats of the game from everyone else,” he told Golf Monthly.
The coaching switch to Blackburn has been about more than just technical tweaks; it’s about preparing to peak when it matters most. Fitzpatrick’s climb back up the rankings underscores the challenge of sustaining form at the highest level and the fine margins that define a golfer’s career.
As of now, Fitzpatrick is firmly back among the sport’s top players, with his improved iron play and renewed confidence setting the tone for the 2027 season.
According to Yahoo Sports.
