Matt Fitzpatrick eager to make his mark on Ryder Cup bow at Hazeltine
Wednesday 28 September 2016 17:33, UK
Matthew Fitzpatrick admits he has had to put his autograph book away as he prepares to make his Ryder Cup debut this week.
It is just three years since he won the US Amateur Championship and he becomes the first winner of that illustrious event to graduate to the Ryder Cup since Tiger Woods and Matt Kuchar.
He validated his reputation as one of the rising talents of world golf when he completed a wire-to-wire win at the 2015 British Masters before bagging his second European Tour title at the Nordea Masters in Sweden in June.
Before turning professional, the 22-year-old won three points from a possible four at the Walker Cup and he says the star-struck feeling as he mingles with the world's best is beginning to fade.
He said: "All the guys, I know them well enough to speak to. Obviously I spend a lot of time with Martin Kaymer and I was lucky enough to have a drink with Rory on Sunday night after he had won the Fedex Cup."
Fitzpatrick admitted he got Sergio Garcia's signature earlier this year at the Qatar Masters: "He was giving one out to a little kid and I said 'I'll have one of those if you've got one to spare.'
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"I watched all the guys two years ago and four years ago playing the Ryder Cup. These are the guys that I've looked up to since I was young, looking for autographs when I've been to tournaments as a fan.
"Now I'm playing in the same team with them. It's pretty cool to be doing that. Obviously, from what I've been told, nothing can compare to this.
"My plan was always to get here, it's just happened a lot sooner than I thought it would. I'd rather not play until Sunday if the team wins. That's the most important thing and that's what we are all here for.
"I've already had a few comments about my age but I'm used to it. It's exciting to be here and I'm really looking forward to the week."
