Matt Fitzpatrick wins Valspar Championship after Players heartbreak

Fitzpatrick's 14-foot birdie putt on the 18th gave him a one-stroke win over David Lipsky.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

One week after finishing second at The Players Championship, Matt Fitzpatrick bounced back to win the Valspar Championship on Sunday. Fitzpatrick sank a 14-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to secure a one-stroke victory over David Lipsky.

Why it matters

Fitzpatrick's win at the Valspar Championship comes just a week after his heartbreaking runner-up finish at The Players Championship. This victory helps Fitzpatrick move past the disappointment of that near-miss and shows his mental toughness to quickly rebound and claim another PGA Tour title.

The details

Fitzpatrick shot four straight rounds in the 60s to finish at 11-under par and hold off a late charge from Lipsky. After making par on the par-5 14th hole, Fitzpatrick bounced back with a 30-foot birdie on the par-3 15th to regain a share of the lead. He then parred the final three holes, capping it off with the clutch 14-foot birdie putt on the 18th to secure the victory.

  • One week ago, Fitzpatrick finished second at The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
  • On Sunday, March 22, 2026, Fitzpatrick won the Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor, Florida.

The players

Matt Fitzpatrick

An English professional golfer who won the 2026 Valspar Championship on the PGA Tour, just one week after finishing second at The Players Championship.

David Lipsky

An American professional golfer who finished one stroke behind Fitzpatrick at the 2026 Valspar Championship.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Last week I played so well right until the end to lose the way I did is always disappointing, always takes a lot out of you to spend four days of your life battling to try and get that top spot and to lose it right at the death is always difficult to take. So you know this week was important to get back on the horse and try to push myself to continue playing well.”

— Matt Fitzpatrick

“If I get myself in those positions, I feel like I'm strong enough mentally to handle that and compete and push for the win. But yeah, over the last 12 months, I've really seen a big improvement with (coach) Mark Blackburn on my approach play, and that was always something that I felt was lacking that didn't necessarily get me to the top of the game. Since that improvement, I feel like I've become more of a whole-rounded player, and you continue that and the more opportunities you give yourself with your irons, you hopefully are going to take some, take plenty one week and, you know, you walk away with a trophy.”

— Matt Fitzpatrick

What’s next

Fitzpatrick will look to build on this Valspar Championship win and continue his strong play on the PGA Tour. His next major test will be the 2026 Masters Tournament in April.

The takeaway

Fitzpatrick's ability to quickly bounce back from the disappointment of his close call at The Players Championship and claim victory at the Valspar demonstrates his mental toughness and resilience as an elite professional golfer. His improved approach play has made him a more well-rounded player, and this win should give him confidence as he seeks to contend for major championships in the future.