Fitzpatrick, who previously won the RBC Heritage in 2023, shot an 8-under 63 in the second round to take a one-shot lead over Viktor Hovland. His second-round performance included a lucky break at the 14th hole when his ball hit a cart path and ricocheted back onto the green. Fitzpatrick's ball was slowed by a sprinkler to stay dry, and he holed a 30-foot putt for birdie, then birdied two of the next three holes to complete a bogey-free round.
The second round was played on a blistering day of heat and big numbers, with Scheffler shooting a bogey-free 67 to sit seven shots behind the leader. Hovland shot a 65 but had a tougher time in the afternoon when the wind got stronger. Hovland got the right club on the exposed par-3 17th to 12 feet for his eighth birdie of the day and holed a 30-foot putt for birdie on the par-5 fifth hole from 205 yards out for his third shot. Harris English got the wrong gust on the 11th hole, leading to a double bogey from a plugged lie in the sand, and shot a 68 to finish three shots behind the leader.
Entering the final round, Fitzpatrick led by three strokes ahead of Scheffler with four holes left, but he made the only bogey on Sunday at the 18th hole to force a playoff. The tournament was decided in a playoff where the 18th hole, cleared of spectators, would be played back and forth until a winner was determined. It was enough to play the par 4 hole once, with Fitzpatrick pointing to his ear and smiling at the crowd after a successful putt.
Fitzpatrick is a devoted Sheffield United supporter and brings his underdog perspective to the golf course. Scheffler, whose only win this season came at The American Express in January, is chasing his 21st career PGA Tour victory. Scheffler's caddie Ted Scott receives a percentage of Scheffler's prize money under their arrangement, with caddies typically earning around 10% for a win and 7% for a top-10 finish. Scott earned between £126,000 and £181,000 from Scheffler's Masters performance, and Scheffler earned approximately £1.6 million as runner-up at the RBC Heritage.
In other golf news, Jon Rahm won $4 million plus a share of $3 million for his team's win at the LIV Golf event in Mexico City. Rahm has never finished outside the top 11 in 31 completed LIV Golf tournaments, where finishing 11th is worth $380,000. Scott Vincent received $1 million for finishing fourth, while Cameron Smith and Sergio Garcia each received $131,625 for tying for 40th, and Richard Bland received $126,000 for finishing 46th. Bryson DeChambeau wants a reported $500 million to remain with LIV Golf, though the specific financial terms of his demand are not publicly known.
LIV Golf has burned through an estimated $5 billion of Public Investment Fund cash since 2021, raising questions about its current financial status and future funding plans beyond this season. LIV Golf chief executive Scott O'Neil assured players and staff that money is in place for the rest of this season. The organization announced it will return to Mexico City's Chapultepec Golf Club in 2027.
During the RBC Heritage, the crowd had followed behind and filled the fairway, creating a lively atmosphere. Fitzpatrick pointed to his ear and smiled at the crowd after the successful putt.
Fitzpatrick's win marks his second at the RBC Heritage, while Scheffler's runner-up finish adds to his strong season performance. The playoff details, including the exact score and specifics of the hole that decided the victory, have not been fully disclosed. The implications of this victory could influence upcoming tournaments, including the Ryder Cup, where both players are likely contenders.