Matt Fitzpatrick took the crown at the 2022 U.S. Open on Sunday. He put on quite the display during the final round in route to his first major victory. Needless to say, I was elated for him and, in fact, was brought to tears when he won.

The Country Club in Brookline, Mass. has been the setting of great moments in golf. Moments such as amateur Francis Ouimet defeating titans of the game in the 1913 U.S. Open – which is often credited as the catalyst for American interest in golf.

In 2022, Fitzpatrick made history himself. Becoming just the 12th player to win both the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open Championships in his career as well as becoming the third player – only to Jack Nicklaus and Juli Inkster – to do so on the same course. He also became the second Englishman to claim the title, after Justin Rose.

Let’s rewind back to 2014. The U.S. Open took place at Pinehurst No. 2 in Pinehurst, N.C. Barely a year removed from his U.S. Amateur Championship, Fitzpatrick was the only amateur to make the cut that year and was, therefore, crowned Low Amateur for the U.S. Open. I remember a younger me who was attending his first of several golf events taking off from a perch at the grandstand on the 18th green to an area right off that same green in hopes of snagging an autograph.

You probably know where this is going…

After being presented his award, Fitzpatrick came over to the pretty decent crowd that had gathered in this area and signed for quite a long time, speaking to each of the fans as well. Myself included! He signed my ticket and I still have it to this day. I’ll always appreciate his kindness and graciousness he showed to us that day.

From then on, I’ve been a fan and have followed his career. Including seeing him play in person a few more times. It’s always cool to see people in his position be kind to just random fans like me.

Way to go, Fitzy! Proud of you!