Matthew Fitzpatrick explains reason for parents' absence at 2025 Ryder Cup
England's Matthew Fitzpatrick has revealed why his parents have decided not to attend the 2025 Ryder Cup matches at Bethpage Black in New York.
Matthew Fitzpatrick revealed his parents won't attend this week's matches in New York in part owing to their experience whilst watching their son at the 2021 Ryder Cup.
Steve Stricker's United States team handed out a pasting to Padraig Harrington's men four years ago in Wisconsin, inflicting a record 19-9 defeat.
Fitzpatrick, who lost all three of his matches that week, was among several European players whose family members were targeted by the United States fans.
Shane Lowry previously stated his wife Wendy received "dog's abuse". Xander Schauffele's father, Stefan, watched that unfold and, coupled with what his son endured in Rome two years ago alongside Patrick Cantlay, decided to boycott this week.
Fitzpatrick told reporters on Thursday that his parents' decision was influenced by what they experienced.
But they are also scheduled to take part in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship next week with Matthew and their youngest son Alex.
"I left it completely up to them," Fitzpatrick said. "There's two things on that.
"There is, obviously, a little bit of that; they didn't have a great experience in Whistling Straits. That's not like a lie or anything or making anything up.
"But the other thing is, both my parents are playing next week in the Dunhill. They also didn't really want to ruin that experience, as well, because that's obviously special to have that.
"So yeah, it's a combination. It's a lot of travel. It's obviously a busy week. It's a tiring week. And then they obviously want to have a nice week next week, as well, with me and my brother.
"No denying that they had a bad experience in the past, but there's no reason why it has to be like that this time."
Asked how Russell and Wendy's absence makes him feel, Fitzpatrick said: "They have obviously been to a lot [of Ryder Cups]. But I'm fine with that.
"They have been to three Ryder Cups already, two away, two at home - one at home, sorry. You know, they have seen me in all sorts of events.
"So obviously I'll miss them this week for sure. But you know, I'm not - I know that they are doing what's best for them, and that's what's important."
Fitzpatrick's wife, Katherine, is among several wives and girlfriends who are here.
He said he she has told him that she won't be affected.
"There's always been conversations about what could happen or what couldn't happen," Fitzpatrick said. "I think everyone is very well-versed on what that is.
"But again, we've had that conversation between me and her, and she said that, you know, it doesn't matter.
"I'll be out there, whatever, it really doesn't matter. I'm not going to be affected at all.
"Everyone knows how it is, and like Keegan [Bradley] said in his speech, like Luke said in his speech, I have no doubt everyone is going to be as respectful as they possibly can.
"And yeah, like I say, I think that's what makes it fun. That's what makes it different."
"It's obviously frustrating"
Fitzpatrick arrives at Bethpage with an unflattering overall record of 1-7-0.
He admitted he wasn't ready when he made his debut at Hazeltine in 2016.
"So I feel like I kind of throw that one out the window a little bit," he said.
"Then, you know, '21, I actually felt like I played really well. You know, I felt like I deserved more than what I got out of that one.
"Rome was probably the same thing. Obviously got my first full point with Rory.
"We obviously played well on the Friday and Saturday afternoon, as well, and obviously Max played well on the Sunday singles.
"It's obviously frustrating, but you know, all I can do is keep qualifying for the teams and keep giving myself the opportunity to improve on the record.
"I think that's the biggest thing for me is to keep putting myself in the position to make the teams. That's all I can do."
The pairings for Thursday morning's foursomes matches will be revealed at 21:00 BST today.
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