Two Different But Equally Brilliant Seasons

Fitzpatrick's Redemption Arc

Matt Fitzpatrick's 2025 season reads like a Hollywood script. The Englishman "struggled at the start of this year," as he candidly admitted after his victory, but what followed was one of the most impressive turnarounds in recent memory.

The transformation began in the summer. A top-ten finish at the US PGA Championship sparked something, leading to back-to-back fourth places at the Genesis Scottish Open and The 153rd Open. He kept the momentum rolling with top-six finishes at the Betfred British Masters, Omega European Masters, and BMW PGA Championship. Then came his crowning achievement: helping Europe secure a historic away Ryder Cup triumph at Bethpage Black, where he contributed 2.5 points from four matches.

"To turn it around in the summer like I did and have a Ryder Cup like I did...the Ryder Cup in particular, I feel like it's hard to top given everything," Fitzpatrick said, his voice filled with emotion.

Sunday's bogey-free 66 showcased a player at the peak of his powers. Three birdies in the first five holes, clutch gains at 14 and 15, and that crucial five-footer at 18 to reach 18-under. When McIlroy's drive found the penalty area in the playoff, Fitzpatrick didn't flinch — getting up and down for par to seal his first victory since the 2023 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

"The way that I played today, I feel like I really didn't hit one bad shot all day," the 31-year-old beamed. "I'm so proud of myself."

McIlroy's Year for the Ages

If Fitzpatrick's season was about redemption, Rory McIlroy's was about legacy. The Northern Irishman didn't just have a good year — he had a career-defining campaign that will be remembered for generations.

The Masters victory that completed his career Grand Slam. A triumph at THE PLAYERS Championship. A home victory at the Amgen Irish Open, sealed with another trademark playoff eagle. And a starring role in that historic Ryder Cup win at Bethpage Black. Oh, and a fourth consecutive Race to Dubai title for good measure.

"I didn't get this far in my dreams, so it's very cool," McIlroy said after surpassing Seve Ballesteros's tally of six Race to Dubai titles.

Even in defeat on Sunday, McIlroy produced magic. That 15-foot eagle putt on 18 to force the playoff was pure theater — the kind of moment that defines champions. It didn't matter that his drive found water in the playoff; he'd already done enough to cement his place in history.

Chasing Monty

With seven Race to Dubai titles now in his trophy cabinet, McIlroy sits just one behind Colin Montgomerie's record of eight. And he's hungry for more.

"It seems within touching distance now," McIlroy said. "I was the first European to win the Grand Slam and I'd love to be the most successful European in terms of winning Order of Merits and season-long races. I've hopefully got a few more good years left in me, and hopefully I can catch (Montgomerie) and surpass him."

The emotional weight of surpassing Ballesteros wasn't lost on McIlroy, who spoke with Seve's wife Carmen before his final round. "He was always my dad's favourite player," McIlroy reflected, his voice catching. "When I hear Seve, it just sort of brings me back through my whole journey in the game, and yeah, it's quite emotional."

Two Champions, One Unforgettable Day

As Fitzpatrick and McIlroy embraced after the playoff — first as competitors, then as Ryder Cup teammates — it was clear that both men had won something special. One claimed the tournament trophy, the other the season-long crown. But both walked away as champions of 2025.

Tomorrow, I'll take a deeper dive into Rory McIlroy's unforgettable 2025 campaign here on Athlon Sports.