Matthew Fitzpatrick has admitted he has had mixed feelings since becoming US Open champion back in June. Fitzpatrick secured his first ever major championship when pipping American star Will Zalatoris to the title at Brookline.
The victory was an extra special one for the Englishman, having won the title on the same course in which he became US Amateur champion nine years prior.
Fitzpatrick's platform has sky rocketed since his win and, whilst the Sheffield star no doubt completed one of his life-long dreams, he has since revealed he has been left conflicted in his thought process heading into tournaments.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: "It's very weird. I've done it and it's like 'perfect let's go and try and win more' but at the same time I've had 'well I've done it now, why do I have to do any more?' I've spoken to a few people about it and it's a very common trait after they achieve success.
"I've always pushed myself hard, people always say you're too hard on yourself and I probably am. But it's been leading up to that moment to win a major championship. The first few weeks afterwards it's like pure elation and everything is amazing and then the dust settles and you've got to get yourself up and do that all over again."
"Right now I'm just trying to find that balance."
Following his triumph many had tipped Fitzpatrick to be a shoe-in for the 2022 Sports Personality of the Year shortlist, but the US Open champion was controversially left out following this week's ceremony.
Many in the world of golf were left baffled by the decision, and one man who rose to the defence of the Englishman is his former Ryder Cup teammate Ian Poulter. Labelling SPOTY a 'farce', he tweeted: "Sorry but complete disregard for @MattFitz94 makes this event a continued farce and joke.
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"I experienced first hand how much of a joke this was 10 years ago. Promised myself then I’d never waste time attending or watching again."
The awards' host Gary Lineker was also left bemused by the decision as he posted: "Starting rehearsals for @BBCSPOTY and saw the list of contenders doesn’t contain @MattFitz94!"
Following his SPOTY snub, Fitzpatrick's fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood pledged his backing behind the Sheffield star, praising his 'unbelievable year'. Fleetwood wrote: "Regardless of how @BBCSport see it Matt has had an unbelievable year. He knows it, we all know it @MattFitz94."
