Matt Fitzpatrick's stellar performance at the Scottish Open has sparked a debate: is this the best golf of his career? With three wins on the PGA Tour this year, including a playoff victory over Scottie Scheffler, Fitzpatrick is making a strong case for himself as the top golfer of 2026. His rise from 22nd in the Official World Golf Rankings to fourth is a testament to his improved form, and he's now within striking distance of a major championship at The Open Championship.
Fitzpatrick's current season is, in his own words, the best golf of his career. This is supported by Data Golf's evaluation, which ranks his 2026 season as the 218th best since 1983, compared to his 2022 US Open win, which is ranked 219th. His Strokes Gained numbers further emphasize his improved performance with irons and around the greens. However, a shocking low point is his worst putting season in his entire career, which could have been even better if he had made some putts.
This season has already been a remarkable one for Fitzpatrick, with wins at the RBC Heritage and the Zurich Classic alongside his brother. If he can add a major championship to his resume, it could very well be the best season of his career. But, in my opinion, the real question is: can he sustain this form and continue to climb the rankings? The future looks bright for Fitzpatrick, but only time will tell if this is the peak of his career.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between his current form and his previous achievements. While his 2022 US Open win was a significant milestone, his current season is more consistent and comprehensive. This raises a deeper question: how will Fitzpatrick's current form impact his long-term career trajectory? Will he be able to maintain this level of performance and continue to challenge for major championships? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Matt Fitzpatrick is a golfer on the rise, and his best golf may still be yet to come.