Monday 12 October 2015 09:26, UK
Matthew Fitzpatrick won his first professional title with a two-stroke victory at the British Masters on Sunday, but claimed he wasn't playing at his best.
Fitzpatrick carded five birdies during his three-under-par 68 at Woburn, with Shane Lowry, Soren Kjeldsen and Fabrizio Zanotti finishing in tied-second place.
But the 21-year-old, who was the youngest player in the field, said although he produced his best round of the week on Sunday he did not think he was playing close to his best.
"I've got to be honest, I really didn't think I had my A-Game this week," said Fitzpatrick. "I know a lot of people will probably say, you won, so you must have, but I genuinely - there were phone calls to my coach Thursday evening, Friday evening, Saturday evening, all saying, 'What do I do?'
"I knew what to do, but it was just something we were working on just trying to fix a couple of things, because I really didn't think I was hitting it that well.
"Came out today and probably felt like I hit it the best I had all week. Just felt comfortable, I guess, today, and tee-to-green, despite me not playing great, I was still hitting a lot of greens which was important."
A defining moment in Fitzpatrick's round came on the 16th hole, where he made an excellent recovery from a bunker to save par.
Fitzpatrick admitted said he may have been guilty of playing too safe with the finishing line well within his sights.
"I have to admit, we were trying to play safe," added Fitzpatrick. "I wasn't trying to play as aggressive as the shot paid off. But I was literally just trying to hit it on 17, the TV tower and I just managed to turn it over a little bit.
"If it had actually gone on that line, it would have gone straight in the bunker and that wouldn't be ideal, but it was a great finish.
"I get a lot of stick for being the youngest about a lot of things, but secretly I like it, too. It's a nice little tag to have I think."
And Fitzpatrick, who now leads the Ryder Cup qualification points table for 2016, has targeted bigger things for next year after his fine end to the season.
"First professional win, British Masters, in England, family here, doesn't get better," he said. "Doesn't get better, unless you win The Open, but that's a different story - next year."
