Matt Fitzpatrick didn’t just win the 2022 U.S. Open—he dissected it.
Every element of his swing, from the way he bends at the hips to the split-second tempo that defies tradition, is crafted for one purpose: repeatable performance when the pressure couldn’t be higher. And while his technique might look unconventional in slow-mo, it’s precisely this mix of quirks and precision that make his swing one of the most reliable under fire.
Let’s break down why Fitzpatrick’s swing holds up when nerves fray, and what lessons the rest of us can borrow.
A Setup Built for Consistency
From the start, Fitzpatrick doesn’t set up like most PGA pros—and that’s not a bad thing.
He stands taller, with less knee flex, but compensates by bending more from the hips. His arms hang further from his torso, encouraging an inside path to the ball. The result? Better face control and more consistent strikes.
As Golf.com notes, “He sticks out his rear end a bit more than what’s common on Tour… this reach helps with face control at impact.” It’s a small tweak, but one that gives him better command at the moment it matters most.
And if you’ve ever struggled with feeling “jammed up” over the ball, this could be a setup worth experimenting with.
The Backswing: Compact, Quirky, Effective
Here’s where things get interesting.
Fitzpatrick rolls his left arm slightly during takeaway, which pulls the club inside early. By the top of the backswing, his left wrist is cupped (not flat or bowed like most Tour swings), but somehow, the clubface stays closed.
It’s a combo that would have most coaches scratching their heads—until they see the results.
What ties it all together is his elite shaft control. Fitzpatrick matches his shaft angle at the top with the angle he had at address, keeping everything on plane. No rerouting. No drama. Just clean geometry.
And then… he drops the hammer.
A Downswing That Doesn’t Flinch
When the heat’s on, this is where Fitzpatrick shines.
His downswing starts with the chest leading while the hips open, creating serious lag and using the ground for extra power. That means more zip without forcing it.
His evolution since 2019 is hard to ignore:
- Bigger hip turn
- Faster clubhead speed (up nearly 4 mph)
- A deeper backswing coil
- 25 extra yards off the tee
At 5’10”, he’s now averaging 304 yards. Not bad for a guy who wasn’t known for distance early in his career.
But what ties it all together is something even more subtle…
Tempo: Fast, Unapologetic, and Deadly Reliable
Fitzpatrick’s tempo is not what you’d call textbook.
In fact, it’s fast—shockingly fast. Some analysts believe it’s the quickest tempo on any tour. His backswing-to-downswing ratio is around 3:1 (18 frames to 6), which just so happens to be the “magic ratio” identified by Tour Tempo expert John Novosel.
This rapid pace isn’t about rushing—it’s about rhythm. And for Fitzpatrick, that quick tempo limits overthinking, builds repeatability, and helps generate clubhead speed.
It’s the opposite of the classic “smooth and slow” swing tempo we’re all told to chase. But it works.
Not because it’s fast—because it’s his fast. And it’s consistent.
The Pre-Shot Routine: His Psychological Safety Net
If you watch him closely before every shot, Fitzpatrick goes through the exact same sequence.
- Two practice swings.
- Line up the clubface.
- Match the feet.
- Swing.
That’s it. No fluff. No hesitation. Just rhythm and routine.
“It’s all about aim first… then match my feet to that. And then really just swing,” he explained. That repeatable process keeps him calm and decisive under pressure—two things that fall apart quickly when doubt creeps in.
The Mental Game Most Golfers Ignore
Fitzpatrick doesn’t just train his swing. He trains his mind.
He’s obsessed with numbers, targets, shot shapes—things he can control. On the High Performance Podcast, he described how being “numbers obsessed” is the secret to his success.
And in a post-round interview, he shared the real advantage: “I knew what shape I was going to hit, I knew what shot I was going to hit… that’s big compared to a lot of guys that can’t really commit.”
When you’re confident in your plan, you commit. And when you commit, you swing with freedom.
Want a More Reliable Swing? Steal These 5 Lessons
You don’t need Fitzpatrick’s exact swing to improve under pressure. But you can absolutely borrow these five habits:
1. Lock in a Setup That Works For You
Stand tall, bend from the hips, and give your arms space. Don’t copy the pros—find a position that promotes consistency.
2. Find Your Tempo
Forget slow. Forget fast. Focus on repeatable. Count your rhythm, test ratios, and stick to what clicks.
3. Build a Pre-Shot Routine You Actually Use
Keep it short. Keep it simple. Repeat it until it’s muscle memory—even on the practice range.
4. Finish Every Swing
Fitzpatrick’s balance through the ball comes from committing to a full follow-through. Don’t quit on it halfway.
5. Prep Like It Matters
He didn’t gain 25 yards by accident. He trained with purpose. Set targets. Visualize your shots. Track what’s working.
Matt Fitzpatrick might not have the flashiest swing on Tour—but it’s built for battle. It’s a swing that won’t crack under pressure, because every piece—from setup to tempo to mental prep—has been stress-tested and refined.
And that’s a formula any of us can learn from.