. . . and i backed magnificent matt for us open

MATT FITzPATRIck’S US Open win did not come as a surprise to Gary Player – he’d backed him to do it.

The octogenarian said that he went for the Sheffield-born right-hander because of his accuracy from the tee.

And although he did not divulge the amount won in the sweepstake, Player and his colleagues did have the chance to select their own runner – and the South African came up trumps. Player said: “We had a sweepstake and all put in £5 – and I chose Matt.

“You might ask why. The answer is because he hits the ball so very straight. He’s also one of the 10 best putters in the world. But you never seem to hear anything about it, I don’t know why that is.

“But obviously I was just so happy to see him win.” Player saluted that triumph on his Twitter feed, saying: “Matt’s ball-striking on that final round must be one of the finest displays Major golf has ever seen.”

Player admitted that winning backto-back Majors will be a tall order for Fitzpatrick – mainly because others will come so strongly into contention at St Andrews.

But he maintains that Fitzpatrick’s prowess with the putter could well see him challenge again at The Open.

Player added: “St Andrews is a different challenge. You have to draw the ball – that’s one of the reasons why I like Rory McIlroy. Jon Rahm has the game too – he hits a draw.

“The guys with the distance will find they can drive at least seven of the greens at The Open. So they will put the pins in very difficult spots.

“But the man who will win the tournament is the one who putts well.

“Matt Fitzpatrick hits it straight – and he does putt very well.”