Alex Fitzpatrick is still adjusting to a major life change that “doesn’t feel real” after officially earning PGA Tour membership following an emotional victory alongside his brother, Matt, at last week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Fitzpatrick described the moment as surreal as he prepares to compete at the 2026 Cadillac Championship, one of the PGA Tour’s Signature Events.

“I sat down with my caddie on Monday morning, we had breakfast together, and we looked at some of the events and it was like, wow, this is crazy, this doesn’t feel real,” Fitzpatrick told reporters during Tuesday’s pre-tournament press conference. “And even walking onto the range yesterday afternoon, it felt weird to be here. This is something I’m not used to.”

The Englishman turned professional in 2022 following his collegiate career at Wake Forest University and secured his first major professional win at the 2023 British Challenge. He currently sits 140th in the Official World Golf Ranking and claimed his maiden DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in March.

His breakthrough victory at the Zurich Classic, a two-man team event played alongside his brother, earned him full PGA Tour status through the 2028 season. The win also guarantees entry into the remaining 2026 Signature Events, the 2026 PGA Championship, and the 2027 Players Championship, providing a level of stability Fitzpatrick said he is beginning to appreciate.

“There’s a lot of stress with this game, it can really bring you down to earth at any time,” he said. “So being able to plan my schedule and figure out where I’m going to be is amazing. It definitely takes a lot off your plate.”

Despite the security that comes with PGA Tour membership, Fitzpatrick admitted he is still adjusting to the scale of change that comes with competing regularly at the highest level.

“I don’t have a clue what’s going on, I’m not going to lie to you,” he said. “You’re playing against the best players in the world all of a sudden, and the purses are obviously much bigger.”

Even so, Fitzpatrick remains confident in his game as he continues adapting to his new status on tour.

“I feel like my game is in a good place. I played really nicely last week and over the past couple of months, my game has improved a lot,” he said. “So hopefully I can continue that form and see where it takes me this week.”

“But I have no expectations. Especially this week, I think it’s going to be a whirlwind and my head’s going to be everywhere. Hopefully that settles down after this week and I can settle in nicely.”

The 2026 Cadillac Championship, the fifth of eight Signature Events this season, begins Thursday at Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster course in Miami, Florida. -Field Level Media/Reuters