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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Carl Markham

Matt Fitzpatrick sets sights on Masters tilt after Valspar Championship triumph

Matt Fitzpatrick claimed the Valspar Championship for his first PGA Tour title in three years - (Getty Images)

Matt Fitzpatrick won his first PGA Tour title in three years on Sunday but will spend the next couple of weeks looking for the improvements needed to challenge at the Masters.

The Sheffield golfer bounced back from his final-hole bogey disappointment at last week's Players Championship to birdie the last and win the Valspar Championship by a stroke.

He shot 68-68 over the weekend with just six birdies and 30 pars but the most important of the shots he picked up was at the Copperhead Course's tough 18th hole.

Tied with David Lipsky on 10 under, Fitzpatrick hit his approach to just inside 14 feet and holed for his first birdie in 12 attempts on that hole.

It left the American, in the group behind, needing to match that to force a play-off but his 32-foot attempt came up just short.

"I'm obviously very confident in my game right now but what it takes to win a major is very different to what it takes to win on the PGA Tour," said the 2022 US Open champion.

"Particularly the Masters, there's extra pressure on the Masters, no matter who you are. It just has that standing above all the other events, as well as the majors.

Matt Fitzpatrick hopes to challenge at Augusta next month (Getty Images)

"I'm coming away from this week delighted with where my game's at but there's stuff I want to improve.

"I want to make sure that when I get to Augusta I'm ready that Thursday morning.

"I'm really looking forward to that week. Obviously it is still two weeks away so (there is) time to prepare and get ready and as well as rest and recover and just be in the best shape as possible."

Fellow Englishman Jordan Smith's five-under 66 got him to nine under and into third, while compatriot Marco Penge was also in contention until he bogeyed the 16th, finishing in a tie for fourth on eight under after a 68.

PA

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