Matt Fitzpatrick leads Scottie Scheffler by 3 shots at RBC Heritage

Fitzpatrick overcomes slow start to maintain lead heading into final round

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:05am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a golf match or competition, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a palette of emerald green, sky blue, and burnt sienna, capturing the dynamic energy of the tournament.The battle between golf's elite players Fitzpatrick and Scheffler takes on a cubist, geometric form in this conceptual illustration.Hilton Head Island Today

Matt Fitzpatrick had a slow start to his third round at the RBC Heritage, allowing Scottie Scheffler to close the gap. However, Fitzpatrick steadied himself with a birdie and an eagle to take a three-shot lead over Scheffler going into the final round. Scheffler made a late charge with birdies on the last two holes, but Fitzpatrick's strong finish kept him in front.

Why it matters

This tournament is a key event on the PGA Tour, and the battle between Fitzpatrick and Scheffler, the world's top-ranked player, has added extra intrigue. Fitzpatrick is the defending champion, so a win would cement his status as one of the tour's elite players, while Scheffler is looking to bounce back from a runner-up finish at the Masters.

The details

Fitzpatrick made three early bogeys, allowing Scheffler to briefly take the lead. However, Fitzpatrick regained his footing with a birdie on the 9th hole and an eagle on the 15th to restore his advantage. Scheffler made a late charge with birdies on the final two holes, but Fitzpatrick's strong finish kept him three shots clear heading into the final round.

  • Fitzpatrick started the day with a one-shot lead over Viktor Hovland.
  • Scheffler opened with five birdies in his first six holes to get back into contention.
  • Fitzpatrick rolled in a 25-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole and chipped in for eagle on the 15th to extend his lead.

The players

Matt Fitzpatrick

The defending champion of the RBC Heritage, Fitzpatrick is looking to solidify his status as one of the top players on the PGA Tour with a second consecutive victory at Harbour Town.

Scottie Scheffler

The world's top-ranked player, Scheffler is seeking his first win since the Masters last year and is looking to bounce back from a runner-up finish at Augusta National.

Brian Harman

The former British Open champion, Harman shot a 63 on Saturday to put himself in contention, four shots behind the leader.

Si Woo Kim

The South Korean player is also within four shots of the lead after a 66 in the third round.

Sepp Straka

The Austrian golfer is tied for fourth, four shots back, after a 67 on Saturday.

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What they’re saying

“The bogeys that I made today, I didn't feel like I kind of hit it off the planet and I was scrambling and stuff. I just felt that they were holes that I didn't really make my par on, and I felt like I was making good enough swings to make a turnaround on the back nine.”

— Matt Fitzpatrick

“Good to be back in the tournament. I was a little bit behind the 8-ball going into today, but had a nice round to put myself back in position.”

— Scottie Scheffler

“Just tried to keep the pedal down. It's going to take a low number to win.”

— Brian Harman

What’s next

Fitzpatrick and Scheffler will be paired together in the final round, setting up a potential showdown between the two top players. Harman, Kim, and Straka will also be in the mix, looking to make a late charge and catch the leaders.

The takeaway

This tournament has become a battle between the game's elite, with Fitzpatrick and Scheffler leading the charge. Fitzpatrick's ability to steady himself after a slow start has kept him in front, but Scheffler's late surge has set up an exciting final round at Harbour Town.