The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Fitzpatrick aims for unprecedented feat
GOLF: McIlroy looks to prevent European Masters hat-trick
Rory McIlroy will lead the field bidding to deny Matt Fitzpatrick an unprecedented hat-trick of Omega European Masters titles this week.
McIlroy will head to Switzerland’s Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club at the top of his game after winning the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup title for the second time in four years on Sunday.
But Fitzpatrick could be the man to beat. The 24-year-old from Sheffield became the first player since Seve Ballesteros in 1978 to win back-to-back European Masters titles last year.
Fitzpatrick, who defeated Lucas Bjerregaard in a play-off 12 months ago, said: “Going for the hat-trick is obviously a nice position to be in.
“I feel like my game is in good shape coming off a good last week in Sweden,” he said.
“I feel comfortable around here, I love the week as a whole, it’s always good fun.
“It was a great week (last season), I played really well. I put myself in a great position going into the Sunday and I was really pleased with the way I ground out the last four holes to get myself back in it and get into the play-off.”
McIlroy, who pocketed the $15 million (£12.3m) first prize in Atlanta, will feature in an 8.30am start alongside English duo Lee Westwood and Matt Wallace.
The former world number one went close to winning the Omega European Masters 11 years ago during his rookie season on the European Tour but missed a five-foot par putt on the last to win before losing to Frenchman Jeff Lucquin in a play-off.
Fitzpatrick will tee off at 1.30pm with 2017 Masters winner Sergio Garcia and world number 13 Tommy Fleetwood.
Former world number one Luke Donald will head out with Sweden’s Robert Karlsson and Miguel Angel Jimenez, the Spaniard playing in the tournament for the 30th time, at 8.50am.