“That’s disrespectful” — PGA Tour commentator hits out at Fitzpatrick record ruling

Former PGA Tour professional turned on-course commentator John Maginnes has criticised the decision to award Matt Fitzpatrick a new course record at Harbour Town Golf Links, calling it “disrespectful” to previous record holders.

Fitzpatrick, 31, fired a superb eight-under-par 63 during the second round of the RBC Heritage on Friday to move to the top of the leaderboard entering the weekend on Hilton Head Island. 

Shortly after the round, tournament officials confirmed to Sky's international broadcast team that due to the recent course renovations by Davis Love III that Fitzpatrick's 63 would count as an official course record at the RBC Heritage. 

However, the decision has sparked debate.

Prior to a six-month restoration project completed on the famous Harbour Town Golf Links after last year's tournament, the course record stood at nine-under 61, jointly held by last year's winner Justin Thomas (2025), Troy Merritt (2015) and David Frost (1994). 

Despite Fitzpatrick’s round being two shots worse, the PGA Tour has ruled the renovation to the golf course was enough to warrant a reset of the 18-hole record.

Maginnes, who was on the ground following the group of Thomas and Ludvig Åberg, did not hide his frustration when informed live on air.

“What does that get him? Is somebody going to buy him a pint?” he quipped.

When reminded that three players had previously shot 61, Maginnes responded bluntly: “I think it’s disrespectful to them.”

His stance was immediately backed in the commentary box by LPGA legend Dame Laura Davies, who added: “Correct, well said.”

Maginnes continued by questioning the logic behind the ruling, suggesting the course remains fundamentally the same despite minor alterations.

“It’s the same golf course. It’s just slightly different,” he said. 

“Trying to fit new course records in would be like trying to make Craig Stadler wear the same Green Jacket every year at The Masters.”

That particular remark drew laughter in the studio but underlined a growing sentiment that historical achievements should not be dismissed.

Regardless of the controversy, Fitzpatrick’s performance has put him firmly in contention for a second RBC Heritage title, having previously won the event in a playoff against Jordan Spieth in 2023.

Fitzpatrick is also looking to capture a second PGA Tour title in his last three starts this season.

The Englishman heads into the weekend at 14-under par, holding a narrow one-shot lead over Norway's Viktor Hovland, who sits at 13-under after a second-round 65. 

Harris English is in solo third at 10-under, while world number one Scottie Scheffler trails by seven shots on seven-under.

The debate now centres on whether course renovations justify rewriting history — or whether records should stand regardless of changes.

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