Matt Fitzpatrick says he doesn't "understand" scoring after 62 at Zurich Classic

Matt Fitzpatrick and his brother, Alex Fitzpatrick, shot a 62 during the third round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans on Saturday.

Lara Kuipers

22 Apr 2023

Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick had one of the lowest scores of the day during the third round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, but even so, the elder Fitzpatrick said he doesn't "understand the scoring" at the PGA Tour's team event.

The Fitzpatrick brothers made eleven birdies and one bogey en route to a 10-under 62 during Saturday's round of four-ball. They were tied for seventh.

However, while speaking to media afterwards, Matt, 28, admitted he didn't quite understand what kind of scores to expect at the team event when asked where he thought they'd be by the end of the day.

"This is the first time I've played this tournament, so scoring is kind of a little -- yeah, I really don't understand the scoring," said Matt. "I was amazed at how bunched it is. The average win score is 25-under. We're at 21. So shoot 4-under tomorrow, then that's a decent effort."

While Matt, who won last week's RBC Heritage, said he wants to win every week, much more is on the line for younger brother, Alex.

The 24-year-old turned professional just last summer after an impressive amateur career and with a win this week in Louisiana, he would earn automatic PGA Tour status.

Walk it in, @FitzAlex99
Team Fitzpatrick finish the round as co-leaders @Zurich_Classic. pic.twitter.com/IxVwlJmjCm
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 22, 2023

However, Matt said he isn't too worried about Alex earning the highly coveted PGA Tour membership this week.

Matt told reporters after Saturday's round:

"Don't take this the wrong way, but I'm not worried about this week for Alex. I've seen him out there now. He can hold his own. He can definitely be out here. He had some great results last year on the European Tour.

"I just want him to enjoy this week, and I think by enjoying it, you're going to give yourself a better chance. We played great in the four ball. We just didn't quite have it yesterday. I feel like it's a positive going into tomorrow. We're kind of used to the foursomes now."

Alex added:

"I've had some decent results so far this year, and that kind of gave me some confidence coming into this. Again, there are stakes, but at the same time, we've got nothing to lose. We're coming out and enjoying ourselves. If we play well, great. If we don't, it's not the end of the world. I get to spend time with my brother, spend time with my family and stuff. Yeah, it's been a great week."

After three rounds, the Fitzpatrick brother's had a tournament total of 21-under par and were five shots back of the leaders.

Keith Mitchell and Sungjae Im also shot 62 on Saturday. They were one shot back of leaders Wyndham Clark and Beau Hossler, who also shot 62, at 26-under par.

Defending champions Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele fell well down the leaderboard on Saturday after only being able to post a 66.

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