DP World Tour: Alex Fitzpatrick on Indian Open win, past struggles, and 'gift and a curse' as Matt Fitzpatrick's brother
Alex Fitzpatrick was the special guest on the Sky Sports Golf podcast after securing his maiden DP World Tour win at the Hero Indian Open; Fitzpatrick discussed his victory, his past struggles and the support given to him by brother Matt Fitzpatrick
Tuesday 31 March 2026 15:41, UK
Fresh from his first DP World Tour, Alex Fitzpatrick revealed the reality of playing in his brother's, Matt Fitzpatrick, shadows on the Sky Sports Golf podcast.
Being in the same sport as your brother when he's finding more success than you has it's benefits and drawbacks, according to Alex, whose recent win came a week after Matt won on the PGA Tour.
He had even doubted whether he should stay in the sport after falling to around 115 on the Race to Dubai rankings at the end of August last year, but with a turn of form, has moved past any doubts he previously held.
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"I feel like it's probably something that not many people in the world will understand. Even for someone like the Hojgaard twins, they've grown up so close that even that's a little different," Alex said.
"Having someone who has so much experience, has done so much in the game and is also your brother, is almost like a gift and a curse.
"Sometimes you feel like you're doing well and then you realise someone else in the family has done better, so that's always can be a pain!
"At the same time, his knowledge and experience - not many have the opportunities to pick their brain and, luckily for me, it's just a phone call away.
"I've definitely had my struggles, if I'm being honest. Definitely been moments where there has been a lot of doubt and me thinking 'do I want to do it [pro golf]'.
"Sat here now, I'm excited and happy to have responded well to all the thoughts and doubts I've had in my own head and am happy with where I'm moving to."
It also hadn't been easy for Alex to focus on his game previously due to critics online comparing him to other players, particularly his brother, which contributed to him considering whether to keep his card.
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"When I first came out on [DP World] Tour I luckily had a good start and managed to keep my card pretty early," he added.
"I think I finished 40th on the Race to Dubai and whilst I was really proud of myself and that it was a great accomplishment, there was also people on social media and my own head telling me that it was not quite good enough because you know where you want to be and someone else has done that.
"I think the biggest part of me was last year, where I really didn't have my game for three-quarters of the year. I was really struggling and I was around 115 or 120 on the Race to Dubai near the end of August.
"At that point, I was thinking about keeping my card but if I don't keep my card, what am I going to do? Will I play Challenge Tour?
"There were all sorts of doubts and there was no real self-belief. Luckily, I had a few changes that really helped that.
"This game beats you up 99 per cent of the time and the very rare moments, which at some points I never thought I would have, they feel like they're never going to happen."
What else is on the podcast?
The latest Sky Sports Golf podcast is now available, where Rich Lerner and Alex Fitzpatrick joined Jamie Weir to look back at all the big talking points from a busy week in the sport.
Fitzpatrick discusses the Hero Indian Open before the panel reflect on Gary Woodland's emotional victory at the Texas Children's Houston Open, plus they debate what the future holds for Tiger Woods after another car crash.
Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker and watch on the Sky Sports Golf YouTube channel.
