When Alex Fitzpatrick teed off at the Truist Championship, few expected the rising star to be leading the pack heading into the final round. But here he is, sitting one shot ahead of Kristoffer Reitan and two clear of Cameron Young—a remarkable achievement for a player who only recently secured his PGA Tour card.

What's the secret behind his sudden surge? According to Alex, it's all about family. His older brother, Matt Fitzpatrick—a three-time winner on tour—has been his guiding light. "Having my brother around really helps," Alex shared after his third round. "Seeing him do all the things that I want to do, and I've been lucky enough to be there for all of his achievements." That firsthand exposure to the big stage has made all the difference, helping Alex feel surprisingly at ease in a pressure-packed environment.

The Fitzpatrick brothers have been on a roll lately. They teamed up to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans last month, which earned Alex his PGA Tour card. Now, in just his third start of the season, he's making waves at Quail Hollow, a course he knows well from his college days at Wake Forest. "There were so many Wake Forest people out there, it was amazing," Alex said with a grin. "Lots of chants. My dad said he felt like he went deaf afterwards." That local connection has given him a comfort edge, even as the course plays tougher than he remembers.

With only one round to go, Alex Fitzpatrick is proving that sometimes the best preparation comes from watching a champion up close—and having a brother who's been there every step of the way.