Rory McIlroy perfectly congratulates Matt Fitzpatrick on US Open win

Matt Fitzpatrick won the US Open with a gutsy final round performance and Rory McIlroy was one of the first to congratulate him off the 18th green.

On Sunday at the US Open, Matt Fitzpatrick was everything he needed to be in order for him to become a major champion for the first time and to win for the first time stateside. The Englishman was patient, precise and unfazed throughout his round. And it paid off.

With Will Zalatoris, his playing partner in the final group, narrowly missing a birdie putt on the 18th hole in the final round, Fitzpatrick secured the US Open victory to make history as he’s only the second player in golf history, joining the illustrious Jack Nicklaus, to win the US Amateur and US Open at the same course.

After his victory, there were many hugs and sentimental moments right off the 18th green. However, one of the most poignant came when he came upon one of his friends and mentors, Rory McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy beautifully congratulates Matt Fitzpatrick for winning US Open

McIlroy embraced Fitzpatrick and then, in quite simple but beautiful terms, offered him a touching congratulations that the newly minted champion will surely not forget soon.

“All that hard work pays off,” McIlroy said. “I’m so happy for you.”

Despite the fact that McIlroy himself was within striking distance for much of the tournament, though he failed to capitalize on the weekend, it shows the character of the 2011 US Open champion that he expressed that sentiment after Fitzpatrick’s win.

It was truly an unforgettable scene on the 18th hole at The Country Club and one that will certainly put Matt Fitzpatrick into a new light.

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