MATT FITZPATRICK has a great chance of becoming the first English golfer to win the USPGA Championship in more than a hundred years, after powering into contention at Southern Hills.
And if Fitzptarick claims his first Major triumph, it would be the second time he has bridged a gap of more than a century to claim one of the game’s biggest prizes.
The Sheffield golfer became the first Englishman to win the US Amateur title in 102 years when he triumphed in that event in 2013.
Now he has a chance to become England’s first PGFA champion since Jim Barnes lifted the Wanamaker Trophy for the second time in 1919.
Fitzpatrick, 27, made it three rounds in the 60s as a three under par 67 lifted him to six under for the tournament, three shots adrift of shock leader Mito Pereira – the man from Chile is playing just his second Major.
Amazingly, the top golfers on the leaderboard have yet to win a PGA Tour event between them.
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But Fitzptarick has finished second twice in the States, while the man sharing second place with him, Will Zalatoris was runner-up in the Masters last year.
The English ace commented: “I’m absolutely buzzing – I’ve never had a chance to win a Major before, so whatever happens this is going to be an amazing experience.
“But even though my best Major finish is seventh at the Masters six years ago, I’ve won the DP World Tour Championship twice as well as plenty of other big events in Europe, so I know how to get over the line.
“I controlled my emotions well today. After bogeying the first two holes I could have let my frustration get to me, but I held it together well and stayed really patient.
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“I holed a bunker shot for my first birdie on five, and followed up by making a great putt on six, and I played brilliant golf coming in.
“I finished birdie-birdie and the one on 18 was a real bonus. I hit three wood, four iron there, and that is one of those holes where you’re pleased to walk off with a par.
“But I hit two great shots and made a really nice downhill putt from the back of the green. If I can keep that going, I’ll have every chance.”