US Open golf LIVE final round: Matt Fitzpatrick holds off Scottie Scheffler and Will Zalatoris to win first major title

00:07 – Thanks for joining us

00:00 – Fitzpatrick emulates Jack Nicklaus

“No words, it is what you grow up dreaming of. It is absolutely incredible,” said the 27-year-old Sheffield man, who joins Jack Nicklaus as the only players to win the US Amateur Championship and US Open on the same course.

Nicklaus won at Pebble Beach in (US amateur) 1961 and 1972 (US Open). Fitzpatrick emerged victorious at Brookline in 2013 and 2022.

“The bunker shot is one of the best shots I’ve hit. When I saw it leave the sand, I couldn’t be happier. I’ve won here twice now. It means the world to me.”

23:51 – US Open leaderboard

• 1 Matt Fitzpatrick -6 (68)
• T2 Scottie Scheffler -5 (67)
• T2 Will Zalatoris -5 (69)
• T5 Hideki Matsuyama -3 (65)
• T5 Collin Morikawa -2 (66)
• T5 Rory McIlroy -2 (69)

23:46 – Fitzpatrick is the US Open champion

Fitzpatrick finishes off with a solid par. Zalatoris tried to force the play-off, but is inches away with his putt. That 3rd shot to 18 will live long in the memory. The Englishman emulates his success at Brookline in 2013 when he lifted the US Amateur Championship.

23:43 – Fitzpatrick with a brilliant shot

Well, quite stunning. Managed to spin that out of the bunker. High cut with a soft landing. About 20 feet from the hole and a putt for the title. Zalatoris follows him down the hole with a wedge to 18 feet. He’ll get a read on the putt from Fitzpatrick unless the Englishman holes. And that will be that.

23:38 – Fitzpatrick finds trouble at the last..

The drive has been leaked left and he is in the bunker with 159 yards left to the green. Zalatoris is on the fairway. What is the choice here? Does he go for it?

23:33 – Scheffler in for par at 18

Almost made the birdie 3. Was a fabulous effort, but not quite. He is forced to settle for a 4 and a round of 67. So near, yet so far. Zalatoris fails with his birdie attempt. Fitzpatrick takes his 4 with a tough downhill putt. As you were then with one hole remaining.

23:28 – US Open leaderboard

• 1 Matt Fitzpatrick -6 (16)
• T2 Scottie Scheffler -5 (17)
• T2 Will Zalatoris -5 (16)
• T5 Hideki Matsuyama -3 (65)
• T5 Collin Morikawa -2 (66)
• T5 Rory McIlroy -2 (69)

23:25 – Scheffler safely on dance floor

Picks out a high looping effort from 172 yards and is about 18 feet away for a birdie 3 at the 72nd hole. Needs to hole it to reach -6.

23:23 – Zalatoris with delightful shot on 16

This is coming right down to the wire. Fitzpatrick safely on the green. Rolls his attempt stone dead from 35 feet. Zalatoris could recover one shot to move to -5. McIlroy with a par at the 18th hole for a round of 69. He finishes on -2. Zalatoris bangs home the 2 from 6 feet to close to -5. Perfect response.

23:19 – US Open leaderboard

• 1 Matt Fitzpatrick -6 (15)
• 2 Scottie Scheffler -5 (17)
• 3 Will Zalatoris -4 (15)
• 4 Hideki Matsuyama -3 (65)
• T5 Collin Morikawa -2 (66)
• T5 Rory McIlroy -2 (17)

23:15 – Fitzpatrick with the birdie

A majestic putt from 20 feet drops. Never looked anywhere else, but down the hole. He moves to -6 with 3 holes remaining. All on the line, but Fitzpatrick responds in style.

23:10 – Fitzpatrick finds telling iron shot

Butchered his tee shot on 15th hole, but gets a decent lie on a spectator’s walking area 20 yards off line. Clean shot at green and drives the 3 iron into heart of green. Zalatoris toiling to make par after suffering a horror lie in the rough. So unfortunate. Scheffler with a short-range putt to get to -5 on 17 after a brilliant approach shot. Zalatoris drops a shot with bunker escape too tough for up and down. All going on.

22:58 – Scheffler stays in hunt

Fine up and down from the back of the 15th green by the world No 1. Never a bad par on the 4th toughest hole on the course. Safely onto the 16th green, but a fair bit from the hole.

22:56 – Rory with a par save on 16

Another fabulous putt from McIlroy under the cosh. Two more holes to play. Looking for at least one more birdie and wait to see where that takes him. Or at least that is the plan.

22:54 – US Open leaderboard

• T1 Will Zalatoris -5 (14)
• T1 Matt Fitzpatrick -5 (14)
• 3 Scottie Scheffler -4 (14)
• 4 Hideki Matsuyama -3 (65)
• T5 Collin Morikawa -2 (66)
• T5 Denny McCarthy -2 (17)
• T5 Rory McIlroy -2 (15)

22:49 – Huge chance comes and goes for Will

Looked like Zalatoris was going to return to -6, but his 10 footer for birdie just stays on the high side. Fitzpatrick negotiates his own par save from shortish range. Needed full respect that effort. They remain locked at -5 with four holes remaining.

22:46 – Another Rory birdie

Suddenly the Northern Irishman is gaining momentum, but running out of holes? Timely 3 on 15 with three holes remaining. Needs at least one more birdie, but wouldn’t say no to another 3. He moves to -2, 3 shots off the lead. Bunkered at the 16th from the tee shot so unlikely to get another birdie there.

22:37 – US Open leaderboard

• T1 Will Zalatoris -5 (13)
• T1 Matt Fitzpatrick -5 (13)
• 3 Scottie Scheffler -4 (13)
• 4 Hideki Matsuyama -3 (65)
• T5 Collin Morikawa -2 (66)
• T5 Denny McCarthy -2 (15)

22:32 – Fitzpatrick holes a monster putt

Not the worst time to find a huge putt across the face of the 13th green. That gets him a birdie to move to -5 before Zalatoris follows him home with a quite remarkable par save of his own. Sensational moments in this title battle, but Scheffler can only make a par 5 on 14 as a birdie attempt from 8 feet slides by.

22:29 – McIlroy with a birdie at 14

Perhaps too little, too late? Who knows? Rory will need another couple of birdies to ensure he matches 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, who leads in the clubhouse on -3 after a blistering run of 65 today.

22:19 – Bogey for Zalatoris

A bogey on 12 is not good news for the leader. Out of position off the tee and was always scrambling. Fitzpatrick back to within one stroke of the American with a sturdy par 4. Really heating up out there now. As we head for the final six holes.

22:12 – US Open leaderboard

• 1 Will Zalatoris -6 (11)
• T2 Scottie Scheffler -4 (12)
• T2 Matt Fitzpatrick -4 (11)
• 4 Hideki Matsuyama -3 (17)
• T5 Collin Morikawa -2 (66)
• T5 Denny McCarthy -2 (12)

22:05 – Zalatoris hits the front

Brilliant from the San Francisco player. Cans a breathtaking birdie on the 11th hole while Fitzpatrick takes 3 from on the green attempting to respond with birdie. Pressure applied from Zalatoris. A two-shot swing. How important a moment will that prove to be? 25-year-old Will leads by two.

22:00 – US Open leaderboard

• T1 Matt Fitzpatrick -5 (10)
• T1 Will Zalatoris -5 (10)
• 3 Scottie Scheffler -4 (11)
• 4 Hideki Matsuyama -3 (16)
• T5 Collin Morikawa -2 (66)
• T5 Denny McCarthy (12)

21:50 – Good Will hunting

In case you missed this beauty from Will Zalatoris on the 9th hole. A swerving birdie with more turn than the London Eye. He joins his fellow American Scottie on -5. Or did. Until Scheffler dropped a shot at the 11th hole with a tough three-putt. Two bogeys and he is back to -4. All happening out there.

21:45 – US Open leaderboard

• 1 Matt Fitzpatrick -6 (9)
• T2 Scottie Scheffler -5 (10)
• T2 Will Zalatoris -5 (9)
• T4 Joel Dahmen -2 (11)
• T4 Hideki Matsuyama -2 (14)
• T4 Denny McCarthy (12)
• T7 Jon Rahm -1 (9)
• T7 Adam Hadwin -1 (9)
• T7 Collin Morikawa -1 (16)

21:36 – First dropped shot for Scheffler

Didn’t do much wrong, but could not find the par-saving putt. He drops out of the lead. Fitzpatrick suddenly in the box seat.

21:33 – Well out from Scottie..

A terrific shot from the world No 1 emerging from the bunker, but just couldn’t stop the ball from that dilemma. Has about 15 feet back to save par. So much danger lurking at every corner of this Brookline course.

21:29 – The dangers of missing fairway

Scheffler facing a tough old bunker shot at the 10th hole. Got a flier from the rough with his second shot and that balls fairly races through the green. Not a nice sand shot with a downhill lie and green stacked against him.

21:24 – Fitzpatrick regains share of the lead

That is how you play the par-5 8th. Finds green with second shot and two solid putts from distance sees him move to -6 alongside Scottie Scheffler.

21:19 – Scheffler out in 31

The US Masters champion tickles a putt down to the hole on the 9th to reach the turn in 31 blows. Meanwhile, defending champion Jon Rahm falls back to join Rory on -1. Long way back for big Jon after a poor bogey on 8. Not happened for him so far.

21:16 – US Open leaderboard

• 1 Scottie Scheffler -6 (8)
• 2 Matt Fitzpatrick -5 (7)
• 3 Will Zalatoris -4 (7)
• T4 Jon Rahm -2 (7)
• T4 Joel Dahmen -2 (9)
• T4 Hideki Matsuyama -2 (13)
• T7 Rory McIlroy -1 (8)
• T7 Adam Hadwin -1 (8)
• T7 Collin Morikawa -1 (14)

21:11 – Zalatoris fights back

A gloomy start from the young American after dropping shots at 2 and 3, but terrific birdies at 6 and 7, including a mesmerising approach shot, hauls him back to within two of the leader. Game on.

21:08 – Scheffler cans the par putt

Magnificent stuff to escape from that tricky few minutes with a par. Little bit of break, but always looked in the hole. He stays bogey-free on 8. McIlroy finishing off his front 9 on 35 to remain at -1, five off the leader.

21:03 – Slight error by Scottie

Failed to find the green at the 8th hole with his short approach shot as ball comes back to his feet, but calms the situation with a lovely effort seconds later. 10 foot or so for par.

20:57 – US Open leaderboard

• 1 Scottie Scheffler -6 (7)
• 2 Matt Fitzpatrick -5 (6)
• 3 Will Zalatoris -3 (6)
• T4 Jon Rahm -2 (6)
• T4 Joel Dahmen -2 (8)
• T6 Rory McIlroy -1 (8)
• T6 Adam Hadwin -1 (7)
• T6 Collin Morikawa -1 (13)
• T6 Hideki Matsuyama -1 (12)

20:47 – Scheffler shows his class

At the moment, it is a two-way fight between Scheffler and Fitzpatrick at the top of the leaderboard. A four-shot gap between the leading two and the field.

20:38 – Scheffler regains his advantage

This is sublime from the world No. 1. Another birdie finds the white stuff on the 6th hole. 4 birdies in only 6 holes is a breathtaking pace to set. Meanwhile, Rory drops one (again) at the 8th to fall back to -1. Vital that he halts these dropped shots..

20:35 – Fitzpatrick joins Scheffler at summit

Fitzpatrick with a deadly iron shot at the 3rd hole and picks out the putt in style. He moves to -5.

20:30 – US Open leaderboard

• T1 Scottie Scheffler -5 (5)
• T1 Matt Fitzpatrick -5 (3)
• 3 Jon Rahm -3 (3)
• T4 Rory McIlroy -2 (6)
• T4 Will Zalatoris -2 (3)
• T4 Denny McCarthy -2 (7)
• T4 Nick Hardy -2 (6)
• T4 Adam Hadwin -2 (4)

20:25 – McIlroy finds another birdie

Not exactly how he would like his card to look, but Rory picks out another wonderful birdie on the 6th hole to get himself back to -2. Delightful tee shot and in goes the 15 foot putt. Three birdies and two bogeys certainly isn’t drab.

20:18 – Scheffler into the lead on his own

3 birdies in the first four holes from the world No 1 to reach -5. He again finds the target at the short par-4 4th hole. Could only have dreamt of this start last night. Such a relaxed figure and he is seeing those holes like buckets so far.

20:15 – Bradley going backwards

Keegan Bradley is the local favourite with Boston fans, but three bogeys to start his day has not helped his hopes. 5 strokes behind and serious work to be done.

20:12 – McIlroy back to -1

Couple of bogeys, couple of birdies. That 4th hole will frustrate him. Tried to drive green with his 3-wood, but pushed it left and takes another four to get home from the thickish rough. Still early days in Boston.

20:10 – US Open leaderboard

• T1 Matt Fitzpatrick -4 (2)
• T1 Scottie Scheffler -4 (3)
• T3 Jon Rahm -3 (2)
• T3 Will Zalatoris -3 (2)
• T5 Denny McCarthy -2 (5)
• T5 Rory McIlroy -2 (4)
• T5 Nick Hardy -2 (5)
• T8 Adam Hadwin -1 (3)

20:03 – Rory back on the birdie train

The Northern Irishman refusing to wilt in the heat of battle. A disappointing bogey on the 3rd hole is followed by a glorious birdie from 20 feet on the 4th. Right back into the thick of the leaderboard. Rory to -2. That putter is the key club for Rory.

19:53 – Scottie Scheffler moves into share of the lead

Scottie Scheffler is really showing his class. Two birdies on the first two holes and that sees him join Fitzpatrick and Zalatoris on -4. That is quite magical.

19:47 – US Open leaderboard

• T1 Matt Fitzpatrick -4 (19:45)
• T1 Will Zalatoris -4 (19:45)
• T3 Scottie Scheffler -3 (1)
• T3 Jon Rahm -3 (19:34)
• T5 Rory McIlroy -2 (2)
• T5 Adam Hadwin -2 (1)
• T5 Keegan Bradley -2 (1)

19:40 – Scottie makes a fast start

Scottie Scheffler moves quickly to -3 with a rapid start to his Sunday. Lovely second shot and cans the birdie with ease. The US Masters champion is one stroke off the summit.

19:35 – Rahm powers drive down the middle

Big JR is on the move with that thumping swing. That is a fabulous hit. Can attack the first pin from the short grass.

19:29 – Rory on the dance floor at the 2nd hole

Terrific shot right into the heart of the green as McIlroy chases a 2nd straight birdie. Gives the hole every chance from distance, but just nurses it to the side of the hole for a tap-in. That will do nicely. He stays at -2.

19:23 – Birdie for McIlroy at the 1st

Brilliant from the Northern Irishman. A dream start. Floated the second iron shot to around 18 or 20 feet and rolls home the birdie. Moves to -2, two strokes off the lead. Majestic.

19:19 – Rory launches drive on 1st hole

McIlroy just off the fairway at the opening hole. Decent position to attack the pin. He will be looking for improved fortunes with his irons. The putter was his friend yesterday.

19:10 – US Open leaderboard

• T1 Matt Fitzpatrick -4 (19:45)
• T1 Will Zalatoris -4 (19:45)
• 3 Jon Rahm -3 (19:34)
• T4 Keegan Bradley -2 (19:34)
• T4 Adam Hadwin -2 (19:23)
• T4 Scottie Scheffler -2 (19:23)

19:00 – How to handle the 11th hole

It is only 108 yards long today, but the par-3 11th hole proved so challenging yesterday set against the brutal wind in Boston.

Here is Xander Schauffele with a perfect DIY guide during the 4th round.

18:55 – One way of getting the job done

Was never really in doubt from Hideki Matsuyama at the second hole.

18:52 – Latest US Open title odds

• Matthew Fitzpatrick 7/2
• Jon Rahm 7/2
• Will Zalatoris 7/2
• Scottie Scheffler 11/2
• Rory McIlroy 10/1

18:45 – Big Jon Rahm in the pink

The defending champion has his favourite Sunday colour on at this 122nd US Open. It is hiding under a navy jumper on the practice green, but he would like to give it an airing with the trophy later today. Wouldn’t mind another selfie with the little lady later tonight.

18:35 – Key tee times for final round

• 18:50 — Gary Woodland, Denny McCarthy
• 19:01 — Nick Hardy, Joel Dahmen
• 19:12 — Rory McIlroy, Sam Burns
• 19:23 — Scottie Scheffler, Adam Hadwin
• 19:34 — Keegan Bradley, Jon Rahm
• 19:45 — Matt Fitzpatrick, Will Zalatoris

18:25 – Anybody fancy a putter?

American Grayson Murray is second from last on the 16th hole today. +10 for the day and +18 for the tournament to occupy 63rd spot out of 64 players. He’s seen enough of his old putter. Which is now his old putter.

He also snapped an iron during a round that has seen him run up a quadruple bogey 8 on 7 and triple bogey 7 on 9. Time for a cup of green tea and a warm face towel might be welcome too.

18:15 – What does Sir Nick Faldo make of it?

Always an interesting listen. The six-time major winner lost a play-off for the US Open title to Curtis Strange at this venue 34 years ago, but can make a case for any of the names under par. As can we all.

Here is what he is saying about Rory and playing partner Sam Burns.

18:05 – The ‘beast’ of Brookline

Will Zalatoris felt his 67 in the third round was as impressive as 61 or 62 such was the wind enveloping Brookline on Saturday. It is a par-70 circuit, but can reduce great players to rubble if you don’t put your ball in the right place.

17:55 – Hole locations for final round

These will be vital this evening. Pin locations can make or break the dreams of a player, but especially on the final day of a US Open if the hole is stuck on the middle of a slope. Not for the faint-hearted.

17:50 – Strange days at Brookline

The last man to lift the US Open title at Brookline was Curtis Strange in 1988. He defeated Nick Faldo in an 18-hole play-off on the Monday by four strokes and successfully defended his title a year later at Oak Hill in 1989, holding off Chip Beck, Mark McCumber and Ian Woosnam by one shot.

Interestingly enough, Strange and Faldo both finished their tournament on -6 for four days at Brookline. Wonder if that will be the winning total again tonight?

17:40 – US Open leaderboard

• T1 Matt Fitzpatrick -4 (19:45)
• T1 Will Zalatoris -4 (19:45)
• 3 Jon Rahm -3 (19:34)
• T4 Keegan Bradley -2 (19:34)
• T4 Adam Hadwin -2 (19:23)
• T4 Scottie Scheffler -2 (19:23)

17:30 – Welcome back to Brookline

Hope you have your popcorn and refreshments ready to crack open. The tension is already building in Boston.

Should be a fascinating evening ahead. Will Zalatoris and Matthew Fitzpatrick are out in the final group and both chase their first major title tonight.

Jon Rahm looks to defend the US Open title he won in swashbuckling style at Torrey Pines a year ago.

Keegan Bradley is bidding to win in front of his home fans in Boston, 11 years after he lifted the US PGA title.

Scottie Scheffler aims to add to the Masters title he lifted in April while Rory McIlroy chases his first major since the 2014 US PGA Championship.

Of course, the trophy might not be destined for any of these blokes. It could come from elsewhere. Whatever lies in store, should be a major evening to savour for golf fans.

– – –

Drama awaits on final day

Join us from 5pm (BST) for the eagerly anticipated final round. It should be a fascinating Sunday at Brookline with so much talent chasing the season’s third major.

• T1 Will Zalatoris -4
• T1 Matt Fitzpatrick -4
• 3 Jon Rahm -3
• T4 Keegan Bradley -2
• T4 Adam Hadwin -2
• T4 Scottie Scheffler -2
• T7 Sam Burns -1
• T7 Rory McIlroy -1
• T7 Joel Dahmen -1
• 10 Nick Hadry Ev

Third round recap

The County Club in Brookline showed why it is such a fabled track by making life extremely tough for the big names on Saturday.

Overnight leader Collin Morikawa tumbled down the leaderboard, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was two clear mid-way through his round – only to fall back.

Rory McIlroy had a tough bay, but he sits three back of leaders Will Zalatoris and Matt Fitzpatrick – with the final round superbly poised.

– – –

– – –

Refresh for latest comments