“I can show you 7,000 shots” – Netflix’s Full Swing sheds light on Matt Fitzpatrick’s obsession with statistics to improve his game
Matt Fitzpatrick's first extended appearance in the Netflix documentary series Full Swing came in Episode 5 named ‘American Dreams’. Clubbed with the Dustin Johnson-LIV Golf storyline, the episode was as interesting as it gets.
In the episode, Fitzpatrick is shown in his hometown of Sheffield, England. In one scene, the young Englishman pulls out a large plastic container full of yardage books.
The golfer states that he has a personal archive to showcase the depth of his obsession with statistics. Furthermore, the golfer reveales that he could even show “7,000 shots” of his if they were interested to watch.
Speaking in the episode, the 28-year-old states that analyzing his game helps him grow. Typing data into an Excel spreadsheet on his laptop, the golfer admits his obsession with the process. He said:
“Since I was young, probably 14 or 15, I’ve always wrote down what shots I’ve hit, how far, what club. I can show you 7,000 shots if people want to see that… I’m always, always, always pushing to be better. The analytics show me in black and white where I need to improve.”
It's pertinent to note that Fitzpatrick stunned his fellow "statheads" with his power gain in 2022. The golfer went from 59th in Strokes Gained in 2020 to 10th last season. He even crossed 300 yards in driving distance, leaving his fans in awe of his hard work.
Addressing his growth over the years, Fitzpatrick said:
“To give myself a chance to win on the PGA TOUR and to compete with the big guys out there, I knew I needed to add distance.”
The episode also shows the fun side of the golfer as he rides around with his manager and childhood friend Ted Brady and heads to the range with his brother.
Alex Fitzpatrick on Matt's obsession with statistics
The show introduces Matt’s brother Alex later in the episode. The English golfer went on to speak about his brother’s obsession with statistics as well.
Speaking about the U.S. Open champion, Alex Fitzpatrick said:
“Everyone knows Matt is a statistical person, but we’re not the athlete that some of the guys are. He works harder than them most likely and finds ways to get better, just finding the 0.1 percent of everything that will make him better and beat them.”
The episode even showcases the relationship between the two brothers as Matt refuses to carry Alex’s bag while leaving the range. This has the two golfers in chuckles. The show went on to showcase the two brothers at the 2013 U.S. Amateur. An 18-year-old Matt won at The Country Club with 14-year-old Alex on the bag back then.
The episode also showed Dustin Johnson’s storyline of his move to LIV Golf. The show also included the star golfer’s wife, Paulina Gretzky, making some explosive statements in support of her husband.