Matt Fitzpatrick is exactly where he wants to be heading into Sunday at the Valspar Championship — firmly in contention and playing with control.
The Englishman carded a bogey-free 68 in the third round to reach eight-under-par, positioning himself just a few shots off the lead and very much in the mix for the title.
It was a round built on precision and discipline, particularly off the tee — an area Fitzpatrick identified as key on the demanding Copperhead layout.
“I played really solid. I drove the ball really well, which was important,” he said. “This golf course is demanding off the tee and into the greens. You have to hit good golf shots.”
That control from the tee allowed him to consistently find greens and avoid trouble, something he believes will be decisive again on Sunday.
“You put the ball in play off the tee and you give yourself a chance,” he explained. “You can’t afford to be coming out of the rough into these greens because you just can’t control the ball.”
Fitzpatrick’s round featured a crucial stretch of momentum early on the back nine, where he made three consecutive birdies from holes 10 to 12, before closing with steady pars to keep himself within striking distance.
Now, with one round to go, he plans to lean on recent experience. Just a week ago, he found himself in contention again — something he sees as a clear advantage.
“You’re always thinking about past experience and trying to draw on that,” he said. “Being in the mix as often as possible is definitely a benefit.”
That experience, however, also brings mental challenges, particularly during a long stretch of competitive weeks.
“It’s more of a mental thing,” Fitzpatrick admitted. “When you’re under pressure, trying to compete, scrambling, trying to make putts… it gets a lot. Managing that is the most important thing.”
Despite the demands, Fitzpatrick has shown remarkable consistency, posting three rounds in the 60s and maintaining a calm, measured approach.
“It’s about managing energy levels and expectations,” he explained. “Trusting where my game is and being patient with myself.”
With the Masters just around the corner, a win on Sunday would provide a significant boost — but Fitzpatrick is focused on the process rather than the outcome.
“That’s why we’re here, to try and win,” he said. “If I can go out tomorrow, be patient again and give myself a chance, that’s all you can ask for.”
In a tournament where mistakes can quickly derail momentum, Fitzpatrick’s steady, controlled approach may prove to be exactly what’s needed.
And if he continues to drive the ball as well as he did on Saturday, he could be one of the most dangerous players in the field when the final round begins.
