Matthew Fitzpatrick is having a fantastic season, but the young Englishman is definitely not done yet.
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The 22-year-old, a Golf in Dubai global ambassador, is a rookie on the Tour, but he is currently No1 in the Ryder Cup standings, No11 on the Race to Dubai and has more top-three finish on the Tour this year than anybody else – six.
Of course, he has also won his maiden Tour title – at the high-profile British Masters earlier this month.
But the one position he is not enjoying right now is that he is 53rd in the world rankings, something that he wants to change before the end of the year in order to get invites into majors and World Golf Championship events.
It’s been one heck of a jump from 413 at the start of the year, when he came through the Qualifying School.
“Yes, that’s the goal,” said the Sheffield player who burst into limelight with his virtuoso performance as an amateur in the 2013 Open Championship in Muirfield.
“I’m going to play all four of the Final Series, all being well. To make it into the top 50 is the plan by the end of the year, and if it doesn’t happen by the end of the year I’ll have a good chance at the start of next year.”
However, given all that Fitzpatrick has achieved this year, he just wants to savour his success and not become greedy for more. He is cautious, and rightly so, with his position in the Ryder Cup standings.
“It’s great. It’s completely exceeded expectations. To be 11th heading into the Final Series is unbelievable really,” said Fitzpatrick, who had said at the start of the season that his goal was just to ensure he secured his card for 2016.
“I’ve been playing quite nicely lately and just been trying to work hard at my game and keep on top of everything. I did a lot of good work this morning just to make sure everything’s in good shape.
“As for Ryder Cup, I’d love to exceed expectations again. It’s not something I’m focussed on, but it’s in the background. I’m just trying to play golf.
Early morning practice getting ready for the week! #checkintogolf and you could join me at @T_A_Golf Open pic.twitter.com/IfsfwS6ToH
— Matt Fitzpatrick (@MattFitz94) October 27, 2015
“Me and Chubby (Chandler, his agent) have spoken about it a lot in the last few months. But it’s not a sole focus – I don’t have one.”
It’s been more than three weeks since his win at Woburn, but Fitzpatrick said he is still having trouble getting used to being called a champion on the European Tour.
“It’s still not sunk in yet,” he said. “It’s weird to say that I’ve won.
“It’s been busy since and a few more doors have opened. I’m just trying to stay as grounded as possible. I was only home for five days so I’ve not had time to think about it too much.
“At the end of the year I’ll have a think about things. A house of my own would probably be the first thing.”
Fitzpatrick is paired with Thogchai Jaidee and Ian Poulter for the first two days and goes out at 12.45 UAE time today.
