This main winner's mother has her own historical victory

ed. Note: This is the third and final part of our Mother's Day series, where we introduce three mothers to PGA Tour Pros.

Previous installments: Chris Spieth, mother of Jordan | Karuna Theegala, mother of Sahith

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Matt Fitzpatrick, 2022 U.S. Open champion, has allowed his mother Sue to serve as a professional partner for the Scottish Alfred Dunhill link champion three times. Most of the professionals in Dunhill are paired with celebrities or business giants. But a more shiny name in the field can bring its own partners.

“Mart got me on his ranks for the first time, and I was excited,” Sue said of her 2022 appearance. “But, as the game got closer, I started thinking, 'I don't know if I could actually do that.' I was nervous.

Good thing Sue sticks it out and plays again because a year later, she and her son are the first national team to win a team and individual championship, making history.

“This is my after-dinner story now,” Su said with a smile.

Love with the game

Although Matt's mom is a newbie in golfing with celebrities and professionals, she is no stranger to the game. Su met her future husband Russell when she was 16 years old. “I took a few classes and Russell taught me the rest.” The couple got married in their 20s and began to go to local clubs to compete in the mixed four matches. During this time, they had two sons, Matt and Alex, who both developed into outstanding golfers.

“I always wanted to be a mom, but you know how it is – you're lucky if it happens,” Sue said. “I think those kids were the happiest times we've ever had. We're so honored that it's been a fun time for us as a family.”

Fitzpatricks first passed on their love of golf to the kids through the plastic club, and then in the proper way. As the years go by, Matt's personality and interests show that he is much like his father, he is a banker. Statistics, numbers, and black and white thinking begin to shape the way Matt’s world from grades to golf. Behind his love of numbers, hard work has always been one of Matt's trademarks.

Alex is more like his mom. He is a spirit of freedom, with art and keen wit. Alex is a natural athlete like his brother who excels in many different arenas including comforting table tennis. “Alex is a talented football player and if he wanted to pursue football, he could have been in football,” Sue said. Now he is on the DP World Tour and is willing to play in the PGA Tour.

Among the deep-rooted traits in her boys: respect. “I don't like people who are bad or rude, so my sons are doing well, which is always very important to me,” she said. “We teach them not to be too shy with people, but to look in their eyes.”

“I just hope they are happy”

Sue and Russell have always played a major role in their son’s golf career. When they see boys progress, the Fitzpatricks will take them to the competitions the boys want to play, but also be careful not to push them hard. “We never want to be parents who want their kids to be the next Tiger Woods,” Sue said. “They need to want it on their own. Both of us boys worked very hard in those years, but they never stood out.”

When asked what advice she might offer to her mother at the front end of her parenting journey, Sue was intentional, intentional. “It's more important to your health,” she said. “You have to be grateful for what you can do every day because your life changes in a minute. Ultimately, when it comes to kids, you really just want them to be happy. It's important to remember that.”

It seems like one way Matt respects her mother’s support is to invite her to Dunhill. “I'm glad he asked me,” Sue said. “I love every minute. I just want him to be proud of me, and really, I don't know if I can. Everyone is watching, it's not a comfortable place. He has confidence in me and I'm glad I'm proud of him.”

Later this year, Russell will be with his son’s turn, although it sounds like he won’t get a lot of lawyers from the bride.

Sue smiled and said, “I tried not to say, ‘If you want some advice, you have to practice.”