Golf Business News – Fitzpatrick chases historic doubles at Alfred Dunhill Links at St Andrews

Matt Fitzpatrick will return to St Andrews in October to defend his Alfred Dunhill Links title and attempt to become only the second golfer in history, along with Tyrrell Hatton, to win back-to-back championships.

Fitzpatrick, who won last year by three shots, said: “It doesn't get much better than winning at St Andrews. Playing in a tournament there and being in contention is something you always remember. To say that I won the tournament is something very special.”

For the 2023 event he was reduced to 54 holes due to the weather, he put together excellent rounds of 67, 64 and 66 at Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St Andrews for a total of 19 wins, and partnered with his mother Susan (pictured) The Team Championship, which was won by the Fitzpatricks. 2022 US Open champion Fitzpatrick said: “Last year at Dunhill I felt relaxed and focused on playing well with my mum, not putting pressure on myself and trying not to stress or get frustrated.

“The Ryder Cup was last week. That is obviously a very stressful week. I didn't really have a good season, so having a sense of ease and not trying too hard helped me bring out the best in my game.”

The lesson is not lost on Fitzpatrick who plans to use the same method this October. He said: “I think I will go in the same way. It's one of those tournaments that you want to win, so I'll work on my game and prepare for it then, but I won't try anything different.

“Links golf is always fun, even if you have to take it with a grain of salt. You can hit good shots and get bad bounces, and you can hit bad shots and get good bounces. They are simply the natural edges of the earth. I think you have to play more patiently on the Links course and you have to stick with it.”

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is a celebration of links golf, played over the Old Course St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, from October 3 – 6.

With a $5 million prize fund, Alfred Dunhill Links features two distinct championships – the Professional Individual Championship for the world's best golfers and the Team Championship where professionals are paired with novice golfers to create a unique atmosphere.

Among the golfers who have won the championship in previous years as well as Matt Fitzpatrick are Major Championship winners such as Rory McIlroy, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, Sir Nick Faldo and Martin Kaymer. Other famous golfers who have played are two-time winner Tyrrell Hatton, 2022 winner Ryan Fox, Tommy Fleetwood and Americans Billy Horschel and Tony Finau.

The first three days are FREE, tickets are not required. Tickets for the last day only, Sunday, October 6, on the Old Course, need to be purchased. To purchase, visit: 2024 Tickets

In June 2011 the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation was established as the official Foundation of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. The Foundation is committed to developing young golfers in Scotland and South Africa and supports the University of St Andrews and the St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation, which restores and maintains historical monuments in the city.