Matt Fitzpatrick is preparing to face the challenges of this week’s U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills with confidence and a refined approach to his game. The 31-year-old English golfer, who captured the U.S. Open title in 2022, arrives on Eastern Long Island having demonstrated strong form throughout the 2026 PGA Tour season. With three wins already, including a recent playoff victory over Scottie Scheffler at the RBC Heritage, and runner-up finishes at both the Players Championship and the RBC Canadian Open, Fitzpatrick enters the major with momentum.

Fitzpatrick’s practice round on Monday was marked by windy and humid conditions, typical of Shinnecock Hills, where the course’s elevated position on the South Fork of Long Island contributes to increased winds. While Fitzpatrick expressed some disappointment at the course being watered—preferring firmer and drier conditions—he welcomed the inherent difficulty. “If you miss the greens in the right spots and do your homework, you have opportunities to get up-and-down still,” he said, emphasizing the importance of patience and course management on the demanding layout.

Wyndham Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, also highlighted the challenge posed by the wind and the course’s fast greens, noting that players will need to be patient and resilient throughout the tournament. Fitzpatrick echoed these sentiments, stressing that playing under strenuous conditions brings out the best in a player’s skill set and preparation.

A notable development for Fitzpatrick has been his improved putting, an area that he acknowledged had previously been a struggle. He described a subtle but effective change in his routine: eliminating a second look at the hole during his alignment process. This adjustment, which he implemented during the recent Canadian Open, has helped him regain confidence and maintain a more fluid stroke. “I was taking a little bit too long, and second-guessing myself a bit,” Fitzpatrick said. “Just allowing myself to have a touch more flow with the stroke freed things up.”

Fitzpatrick’s recalibrated putting and consistent iron play have been key factors in his recent success, and he plans to carry that form into the U.S. Open. “My iron swing is very different to what it was in the past,” he explained, noting that hitting the ball closer to the hole has created more scoring opportunities. He remains focused on leveraging these strengths against the stern test Shinnecock Hills traditionally poses.

As the tournament tees off on Thursday, Fitzpatrick’s blend of recent success, technical adjustments, and willingness to embrace the course’s demands position him as a strong contender at one of golf’s toughest major championships.