Matt Fitzpatrick Eyes Masters After Valspar Win Boosts Confidence And Form

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Matt Fitzpatrick heads towards The Masters with renewed belief after turning recent frustration into a narrow Valspar Championship victory. The English player claimed a third PGA Tour title by one stroke, using a closing birdie to regain momentum before Augusta National opens on April 9.

Fitzpatrick’s winning moment at the Valspar Championship came on the final green, where a putt of about 14 feet dropped for birdie and edged out David Lipsky by a single shot. The performance followed a difficult week at The Players Championship, where a late setback proved costly.

At TPC Sawgrass, Fitzpatrick held a one-shot lead with two holes left at The Players Championship. A par on the 17th and a bogey at the 18th opened the door for Cameron Young, who finished stronger and overtook Fitzpatrick to secure the title.

The contrast between those two Florida events has shaped Fitzpatrick’s outlook for The Masters. The 31-year-old already owns one major title, the U.S. Open in 2022, and recorded a share of seventh place at Augusta in 2016, which remains Fitzpatrick’s best finish at that tournament.

Asked if this latest win changes expectations for the year’s first major, Fitzpatrick responded with humour before stressing a measured view. "I'm probably going to win! No, no!" That playful line underlined a lightened mood, but Fitzpatrick still views Augusta as a serious test demanding precision.

Fitzpatrick highlighted clear improvements with irons as the main factor behind recent results. "There's a big difference in my approach play. My irons are just so much better - better control, better distance control, better accuracy left-to-right. Hitting the shape that I want to hit." Those gains have changed Fitzpatrick’s confidence levels.

The English player feels other parts of the game have long been reliable. "I have always felt like my short game's been good enough, felt my driving's always been good enough and putting's been good enough. Approach play always felt like it was the missing link. So far this year, it's been really good, and last year it was really good as well. It's just about continuing that and keeping improving as much as I can and giving myself more opportunities."

Matt Fitzpatrick Masters pressure and expectations after Valspar Championship

Fitzpatrick also reflected on the difference between standard tour events and golf’s four majors. "I mean, I'm obviously very confident in my game right now, he added. But what it takes to win a major is very different to what it takes to win on the PGA Tour, in my opinion." That view shapes Fitzpatrick’s build-up work.

Augusta National, in particular, remains a special challenge in Fitzpatrick’s eyes. "Particularly the Masters. There's extra pressure there, no matter who you are. It just has that standing above all the other events, as well as the majors. I'm coming away from this week delighted with where my game's at, but there's stuff I want to improve. I want to make sure when I get to Augusta, I'm ready that Thursday morning." With the Masters starting on April 9, Fitzpatrick’s recent form and sharper approach play give a clear platform for another push at a Green Jacket.