Matt Fitzpatrick '˜overworked' in bid for Ryder Cup debut

The Sheffield golfer had missed three consecutive cuts before making it to the third round of the USPGA Championship at Baltusrol at the weekend.

And he is convinced his game has suffered from being overworked in his quest for automatic qualification for Darren Clarke’s side.

Next up is the Paul Lawrie Matchplay at Archerfield Links in North Berwick this weekend but the 21-year-old is keen to find time for a break.

“I’m playing the Paul Lawrie Match Play next week, then taking a week off and playing Czech Masters and Made in Denmark,” Fitzpatrick said. “I need to take a proper break off at some point, because I’ve been playing far too much golf.

“The reason why I’ve done it is obvious, but it’s something I need to work on.

“I haven’t played anywhere near as well as I can this week, and yet I’ve still walked away with a half-decent result.

“So if it clicks and I can put it all together, like I did in Sweden [to win the Nordea Masters], then I know I’m capable of challenging.”

Fitzpatrick’s victory at the Nordea Masters put him in the driving seat for a Ryder Cup debut.

He currently sits in the final automatic qualification place with three tournaments remaining before the cut off.