When Matt Fitzpatrick first went to see renowned putting coach Phil Kenyon, there was nothing outwardly obvious that this was a prospect who would one day become a Major champion. But then again, he was only 15.
Thirteen years on, Fitzpatrick is now the first Englishman to win the US Open since Tony Jacklin in 1970. The steely Sheffielder has become one of the best drivers in the game after adding speed and therefore distance to his famed accuracy, but it is his ability with a putter in hand that has been the bedrock of his success since joining the pro ranks in 2014.
His technique is his own and we spoke to his long-time coach Kenyon to find out more about Fitzpatrick’s journey from “regular punter” to US Open champion.
How long have you been working with Matt?
Since he was 15. He came for a lesson like a regular punter. Harold Swash was still around. We fitted him for a putter that he still used up until a couple of years ago. Bettinardi made him an exact replica that he uses now.
Was it clear that he had a really big future at that early stage?
Well, not really. You never really know at that age. I’ve been around a lot of young golfers through working with England squads and it’s really difficult to predict the future. There are so many talented players who don’t go on and do well.
Matt was never anyone that presented physical qualities that made you think this boy is destined for stardom. But he always had an attitude, application and work ethic that you knew he’d embark on some sort of a journey. But you didn’t know what that journey would entail. I think he’s always done something ahead of the time when you’d expect him to do it. So when he won the US Amateur it was a bit, ‘he’s done well there, hasn’t he?’
How would you rate his putting now, and what have you worked on over the years?
One of the things Matt does really well is he’s always…
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