Secret Awards Race Brewing at BMW Championship
The Fitzpatrick Brothers Are Taking Over Golf: A Simple Guide to the 2026 Award Races
Written by Paul Hodowanic | 17 hours ago | 4 min read | Signature Scroll newsletter
The Big Picture: Two Brothers, Two Award Races
Imagine two brothers who both play professional golf at the highest level. That’s the Fitzpatrick family! Matt Fitzpatrick (the older brother) is already a superstar, while Alex Fitzpatrick (the younger brother) is having a rookie season for the ages.
IMPORTANT POINT
This is the first time in PGA TOUR history that brothers are seriously competing for major end-of-season awards at the same time. Matt for Player of the Year, Alex for Rookie of the Year.
Player of the Year: The Scottie Scheffler Show
What Happened?
- Scottie Scheffler won last week by 8 shots — that’s a massive margin in golf!
- Matt Fitzpatrick admits: "I think a certain someone’s sewed it up last week"
- Rory McIlroy (another superstar) agrees: "No chance. Scottie is [Player of the Year]"
Why It’s Basically Over
- Scheffler has been the most consistent player all season
- An 8-shot win is like winning a race by a mile
- Even if Rory wins the next two tournaments, voters will likely pick Scheffler
Rookie of the Year: The Three-Way Battle
This race is wide open with three very different candidates:
| Player | Biggest Achievement | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Fitzpatrick | Won Zurich Classic (with brother Matt), top 10 in ALL 4 Signature Events he played | "Feel" player — goes by instinct |
| Kristoffer Reitan | Won Truist Championship (a Signature Event — the biggest tournaments) | Steady, clutch performer |
| Jackson Koivun | Won 3M Open beating Scheffler, straight out of college | Young phenom, huge buzz |
Alex’s Secret Weapon: Consistency
- Joined the TOUR mid-season unexpectedly
- Didn’t miss a beat — played like a veteran immediately
- 4 Signature Events → 4 Top-10 finishes (including solo 4th at Quail Hollow where Reitan won)
- Rory McIlroy: "He’s done fantastically well"
The Decider: TOUR Championship Next Week
- Koivun’s season is over (finished in Memphis)
- Reitan (19th) and Alex (20th) are both qualified for the TOUR Championship
- Whoever finishes higher at East Lake Golf Club likely wins Rookie of the Year
Tale of Two Brothers: Different Games, Same Success
| Matt Fitzpatrick | Alex Fitzpatrick |
|---|---|
| Analytical & Meticulous — measures everything, plans every shot | All Feel — trusts instincts, sees shots others don’t |
| Uses data and technology | Creates shots in the moment |
| Example: Hits perfect, calculated 9-woods | Example: Hits one 9-wood 188 feet high, next one 8 feet low — both on purpose! |
FUN FACT
At the driving range, Alex showed reporters two completely different 9-wood shots back-to-back. One flew like a rocket (188 ft apex), the other barely left the ground (8 ft apex). Both were intentional — he was showing his "shot-making toolbox."
Other Big Stories This Week
1. The TOUR Championship Cut Line
- Top 50 → Top 30 after this week’s BMW Championship
- Only 30 players advance to the TOUR Championship
- Those 30 get: FedExCup title shot + exemptions into next year’s majors
2. Adam Scott’s Streak on the Line
- 100 consecutive major championships played (amazing streak!)
- Currently flirting with top 50 in World Ranking (needed for major exemptions)
- "Trying to get myself qualified for everything… would be great going into next year"
3. Alex Fitzpatrick’s Dream: The Masters
- Never played Augusta National
- "That was the one I dreamed of as a kid. Spent enough time going with my brother that I got fed up with going."
- At 20th in standings → virtually guaranteed a Masters invite
4. Who Needs What to Make Top 30?
(Minimum needed — reality usually requires better finishes)
| Player | Current Rank | Needs This Week |
|---|---|---|
| Rickie Fowler | ~50th | Solo 50th |
| Gary Woodland | 31st | Solo 48th |
| Robert MacIntyre | ~15th | 3-way tie for 15th |
| Patrick Cantlay | ~7th | Solo 7th |
| Justin Thomas | ~7th | Solo 7th |
| Sahith Theegala | ~2nd | 3-way tie for 2nd |
Quick Hits & Fun Notes
- Si Woo Kim: 11 top-10s this year = same as previous 3 seasons combined! International team’s best player for Presidents Cup
- Rory McIlroy: Planning swing overhaul this offseason (did same in 2024 → great 2025)
- Gary Woodland: Named U.S. Presidents Cup captain’s assistant (hasn’t made TOUR Championship since 2019 U.S. Open win)
- Viktor Hovland: Reunited with coach Joe Mayo (best career run was with him in 2023)
- Tom Kim: 96.6% chance to make TOUR Championship (Data Golf model)
- Range Ball Champions This Week:
- Monday: MacIntyre (164 balls)
- Tuesday: McIlroy (172 balls)
- Wednesday: Hovland (176 balls)
What’s Coming Up
- BMW Championship (this week) — Top 50 → Top 30 cut
- TOUR Championship (next week) — Top 30 battle for FedExCup
- Rookie of the Year decided — Likely comes down to Reitan vs. Alex Fitzpatrick at East Lake
- Masters invites finalized — Alex Fitzpatrick almost certainly in
Summary
- Player of the Year: Scottie Scheffler has effectively locked it up (Matt & Rory agree)
- Rookie of the Year: Three-way fight — Alex Fitzpatrick (consistency), Kristoffer Reitan (big win), Jackson Koivun (college star power)
- The Fitzpatrick brothers are writing history: first brothers to contend for major awards simultaneously
- Next week’s TOUR Championship will likely crown the Rookie of the Year
- Alex Fitzpatrick is living the dream: TOUR winner, TOUR Championship qualifier, likely Masters rookie
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: What’s a "Signature Event"?
A: The PGA TOUR’s biggest tournaments with the largest fields, most prize money, and most FedExCup points. Think of them like the "premier league" events — only top players get in.
Q: What’s the FedExCup?
A: The season-long points race. Top 30 at season’s end play the TOUR Championship for the $25 million grand prize and the title of FedExCup Champion.
Q: Why does making the TOUR Championship matter for majors?
A: The top 30 get automatic invites into all four majors next year (Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, Open Championship). It’s a "golden ticket."
Q: How can brothers play together in the Zurich Classic?
A: The Zurich Classic is a team event — the only one on the PGA TOUR schedule. Brothers, friends, or any two pros can pair up.
Q: What’s the difference between "feel" and "analytical" golf?
A: Feel players (like Alex) visualize the shot and swing naturally. Analytical players (like Matt) calculate distances, wind, spin rates, and make technical adjustments. Both work at the highest level!
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