THE RYDER CUP

September 29, 2023

Matt Fitzpatrick

Marco Simone

Team Europe

Press Conference

TOM CARLISLE: Good evening, everybody, we are joined here in the interview area at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club by Matt Fitzpatrick.

It's been three Ryder Cups coming, but to finally get a point on the board and perform in the manner that you did, how pleased you are?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Yeah, it was a special day for me. Just felt like I obviously got off to a crazy good start, and to get our first point on the board is very respectful.

Q. How would you describe the energy right now with the crowd and what you guys just accomplished?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Yeah, incredible. Absolutely incredible. It's a hell of a lot better than playing away, that's for sure. It's just so different and the energy that you get from them is huge. As I said after the round, from the moment we teed off, it was incredible.

Q. With Rory as your playing partner --

MATT FITZPATRICK: Yeah, a hundred per cent. I mean, similar, any of the guys on the team, you just feel better-ball -- but even if you hit a bad shot, you just feel, you know, Rory, the guy next to you is going to save you effectively even if you're out of position.

I think it's just a massive confidence boost. Gives you the freedom to hit the shots. I said to Rory before we teed off today, whatever you like, just gave me the option, felt like I could lead the way. You know, sort of finding the fairways first.

Q. What did he say to you after the first six holes? Did he do anything or say anything that made you feel like you could keep going?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Yeah, he said sorry couldn't be more help. He's just unbelievable. Made a putt for eagle on five, and you just stood there laughing. You know, said how good it was. Really, we hooked up so well today. It really was, it was perfect.

Q. Would you have preferred in past Ryder Cups to be playing best-ball rather than foursomes, or is it all the same to you? What are you more comfortable with?

MATT FITZPATRICK: A hundred per cent. I think it's no-brainer from an experience standpoint, in my opinion, you've got to play your own ball before Sunday. That's what I learned from the first one. I effectively played nine holes in 2016 because I only had half the shots in the morning on Saturday, and didn't play Friday and didn't play Saturday afternoon. So you get on the first tee -- playing four-balls since then, and getting an opportunity today.

Q. Did you make it clear to them --

MATT FITZPATRICK: Listen, with Paddy Harrington, as well, at Whistling Straits, obviously didn't work out, and I spoke to Luke, obviously, as well, and Luke made it clear that I was going to be in four-ball. Since early on the communication has been fantastic.

Q. What is your thinking about Marco Simone as a golf course and your impression about the atmosphere here in Rome?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Golf course is great, yeah. I think it really is. The more I play it, the more it grows on me. I think the layout is a good test and good birdie opportunities, and got to hit good shots. You know, for me, I think the welcome, the fans, it speaks for itself. It's been loud all day, and it's just incredible. Huge football fan, and it must be what it feels like week-in and week-out to a football player.

Q. Can you talk about the influence of your teammates, coming from behind to tie, and what does that mean about Team Europe?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Unbelievable. It really is unbelievable. I think that's one thing that we talked about a lot is just it's not over till it's over, and the boys did that, those three matches. They all got something out of it when they could have easily gone the other way, and it just makes a big difference.

Q. Could you talk to us on a personal level about when you were on that run, when you were absolutely sinking everything, what was going through your mind and how your confidence must have rocketed?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Yeah, absolutely. I'd argue that it was my best warm up since I played U.S. Open in 2022. So I felt comfortable on the range going it, and obviously started those first six holes, I was having goosebumps. I made the putt and the crowd had been going crazy. I felt like I was hitting it well and I felt like as soon as I got on the green, I had a chance, didn't matter where I was on the green. You have days like that. You have days where it's the complete opposite but I was happy to take advantage of that today.

Q. Tonight is the night to buy a lottery ticket, as well?

MATT FITZPATRICK: Maybe.