Scheffler speaks out after agonising £2.7m play-off loss to Fitzpatrick | Golf | Sport

Scottie Scheffler praised the RBC Heritage crowd for not turning on two-time champion Matt Fitzpatrick. The world No.1 missed out on the £2.7m top prize in a play-off at Harbour Town on Sunday. The joint leaders concluded on 18-under-par, with Fitzpatrick recording two-under-par in his final round and Scheffler posting five-under to put himself in the mix.

Fitzpatrick held his composure to secure the title, with the Ryder Cup star claiming his second victory of the 2026 season, while Scheffler contemplated his errors. “I think in both weeks I put myself behind the 8-ball going into the weekend and had really nice Saturdays and Sundays in order to get myself into contention,” Scheffler acknowledged. “On Sunday, it’s a shot here or there that makes a difference. This was one of those weeks where anytime Fitzy needed something to happen, he made something happen. He definitely earned the win, and he just played great golf.”

World No. 1 Scheffler continues to attract massive galleries, with supporters applauding his every action, while Fitzpatrick encountered jeers at the Players Championship before Cameron Young eventually claimed the silverware.

Nevertheless, the 29-year-old was pleased that spectators did not turn against the English golfer on this occasion. “It’s nice always to get some support from the crowd,” Scheffler said. “I thought they were pretty cordial in terms of cheering for me and not cheering against Fitzy, so I was definitely appreciative of that.”

Scheffler continues to chase his 21st career victory, a landmark that would elevate him to T32 on the PGA Tour’s all-time wins list. His only triumph of the season to date came at The American Express back in January.

“I did some solid stuff,” he explained. “I think I had only one bogey over the weekend here, so did a lot of really good things.

“Would have liked to have seen a few more putts go in, but overall I executed the way I wanted to. It was just challenging out there. The wind is swirling all around, and it was hard to make birdies late in the day.”

Fitzpatrick previously claimed the title in 2023 after overcoming Jordan Spieth in a playoff, and was thrilled to be crowned a two-time champion. “It means the world,” he said.

“It means the world. This is a tournament I wanted to win growing up, arguably more than any of the majors before I understood about the game.

“To win it twice means the world. To go out today and go toe-to-toe with Scottie and get over the line there on the 73rd is special.”