Matt Fitzpatrick Defeats World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in Playoff

The Englishman's message to Scheffler before the playoff went viral on social media.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:51am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the final round of a golf tournament, with overlapping planes of green fairways, sand traps, and silhouettes of golfers, capturing the dynamic energy and multiple perspectives of the competition.Fitzpatrick's dramatic playoff victory over Scheffler at the RBC Heritage showcases the sport's competitive spirit and camaraderie.Hilton Head Island Today

In his first tournament since the Masters, Matt Fitzpatrick went head-to-head with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler at the RBC Heritage on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and emerged victorious in a playoff. Fitzpatrick's message to Scheffler before the playoff, in which he jokingly introduced himself, caught the attention of fans on social media.

Why it matters

Fitzpatrick's win over the reigning Masters champion Scheffler is a significant accomplishment, as Scheffler has been the dominant player on the PGA Tour over the past year. The viral moment between the two players also highlights the competitive yet respectful nature of the sport.

The details

Fitzpatrick, who had finished second in two events before the Masters and then won the Valspar Championship, duffed a chip shot on the 18th hole to send the final round into a playoff with Scheffler. However, Fitzpatrick bounced back in the playoff, hitting a beautiful four-iron shot to set up a birdie and the win.

  • Fitzpatrick won the Valspar Championship before the Masters.
  • Fitzpatrick finished second in two events before the Masters.
  • The RBC Heritage took place on April 20, 2026.

The players

Matt Fitzpatrick

An English professional golfer who won the 2022 U.S. Open and has now added the RBC Heritage to his list of PGA Tour victories.

Scottie Scheffler

The current world No. 1 golfer and the reigning Masters champion, who fell to Fitzpatrick in the playoff at the RBC Heritage.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of grit, a lot of grit. Obviously got off to a great start, but a three-putt on No. 2 and you feel like 'what could have been,' but I would've taken it before I teed off. I knew Scottie was going to make some birdies down the stretch and I had to hang in there a little bit. The only chip shot I've found into the grain this week was at the end of regulation there.”

— Matt Fitzpatrick

“Matt Fitzpatrick, nice to meet you.”

— Matt Fitzpatrick

What’s next

Fitzpatrick will look to build on his RBC Heritage victory and continue his strong play on the PGA Tour, potentially setting his sights on more major championship wins after his U.S. Open triumph in 2022.

The takeaway

Fitzpatrick's victory over the world's top-ranked player Scottie Scheffler demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure and compete with the best golfers in the world. The viral moment between the two players also highlights the camaraderie and respect within the sport of golf.