PGA Championship: Matt Fitzpatrick Eager to Grab Big Chance on Final Day at Southern Hills | Golf News
England player Matt Fitzpatrick (-6) in the final game against the league’s top, Mito Pereira (-9) of Chile, for the final round of the PGA Championship at Southern Hills on Sunday – watch live from 2pm on Sky Sports Golf
Last Updated: 5/22/22 2:33 am
Matt Fitzpatrick was eager to seize his first major title at the PGA Championship, saying “I’m happy to tee off right now” as he took three leading shots to enter the final round. together.
The England international recovered from backspins on the opening two openings of his third round to hit a stunning 67. In the second draw with Will Zalatoris at under six, Fitzpatrick will pair leader Mito Pereira ( -9) in the final group on Sunday.
The world number 17, who has won seven times on the DP World Tour but has yet to taste victory on the PGA Tour or in a major tournament, said he is undeterred by the challenge and can’t wait to be Go on.
PGA Golf Championship Live
May 22, 2022, 2:00pm
Live on
“I was just looking forward to that,” said Fitzpatrick. “I talked at length with the coaches about my important record and I always told them, I just want to give myself a chance because I’m back to myself at the end of the day.
“I feel as if whenever I get a chance in Europe, I’m playing really well. Even here here. [in the US], I didn’t have many chances to win, but when I did, I played well. I didn’t lose it.
“Tomorrow is a chance to win – I’d be happy to tee off now if I could.”
Ahead of his final push day, Fitzpatrick has revealed some somewhat unusual preparations possibly with his housemate for the week in Tulsa, Thomas Pieters.
“It makes no difference,” Fitzpatrick said of his plan. “Just keep the habit the same.
“It’s my first time sharing a house with Thomas, so we’ve had a bit of a laugh this week.
“Maybe now I’ll go shoot a few scenes with my coach and then get chills.
“He [Pieters] I’ll probably put a basketball in so I guess I’ll just sit around and pretend to watch. “
Pereira: I’m quite nervous
As for Fitzpatrick’s competition partner tomorrow, tournament chief Mito Pereira admitted there was some anxiety in his round of 69 that at one stage threatened to unravel with a four-bogeys run in five holes.
The Chilean made no early mistakes, scoring two birdies from seven openings as he edged past leader Zalatoris overnight, but then slipped to bottom sixth after his terrifying run before recovering. with three more birdies in the last six.
“It was a difficult place to be at that time,” said Pereira. But I just found myself and since I was 13 I’ve done three under – and those holes are pretty hard.
“I didn’t play really bad in those games, so it’s not like I’m losing my confidence. I still hit the ball very well.
“Today was a really tough day. It was windy, cold, gusty. I hit some bad shots, but that’s normal.
“I’m really happy to be in this position.”
On how he feels when leading a major for the first time, Pereira added: “I don’t know yet. I’ll try to disconnect a bit, I guess.
“I’m pretty nervous today. I’m in the last game. I’ll try to rest, do what I do every day and keep it simple.”
‘Whoever wins will earn’
Rory McIlroy had big hopes for the weekend’s challenge, but four goals over 74 sent the Northern Irishman back into parity for the tournament.
Republic of Ireland’s Seamus Power instead found himself soaring to the top of the charts on Saturday as he scored a stunning 67 to take a six-shot lead with three under.
A four birdie run from his last seven holes was what brought the 35-year-old from Waterford into the fray.
“Going from one top one to three under, especially on a course like this, gives me a little bit of momentum going into tomorrow,” Power said after his round.
“I feel good, my game is in a good position. Obviously I’ve come back a few, but it’s one of those golf courses where whoever wins makes money.
“If I can get a few birds on the card, it can make a difference to the world.”
Who will win the Wanamaker Trophy? Watch the PGA Championship finals live on Sunday from 2pm on Sky Sports Golf and 7pm on Sky Sports Main Event!