Seeing his ball land in a bunker was the last thing Matt Fitzpatrick wanted. He was playing the last hole in the final round at BrooklineA golf club near Boston. Founded in 1882, it is one of the oldest in the US.. He was neck-and-neck with Scottie ShefflerA 25-year-old American who is currently the world number one. and Will ZalatorisA 25-year-old American who came second in last year's Masters, the first he had competed in..

To get onto the green, Fitzpatrick needed not only to dig his ball out of this bunker, but also to lift it over a second one. He played the shot and prayed.

The ball soared through the air and landed 20 feet from the hole. Then it rolled nearer. Fitzpatrick putted twice to finish on 68.

But Zalatoris could still equal his score and force a play-off. He bent down to make what looked like a straightforward putt - and missed.

Fitzpatrick embraced his caddy, Billy FosterAlthough he has caddied for some of the best players in the world, this is the first time in his 40-year career that he has supported a winner in a major tournament., and his family. Nine years ago, aged 18, he had won the US amateur championship on the same course. Now he was the first non-American to win both titles.

Experts called his escape from the bunker one of the best final hole shots in the 161-year history of the majors. Former US Ryder CupA trophy competed for every other year by a team representing the US and one representing Europe. captain Paul Azinger compared it to a legendary shot made by the great Sandy LyleA Scottish golfer who was the first player from Britain to win the Masters. at AugustaA club in Georgia where the US Masters tournament is held each year. in 1988.

Mental attitude was a key element in his victory.

Rory McIlroy, who finished fifth and has not won a majorThe four major golf tournaments are the British Open, the US Open, the US Masters and the PGA Championship. for eight years, emphasises the importance of positive thinking. "Missed opportunities are better than not contending at all. Sooner or later it's going to be my day and I'm going to get one."

Fitzpatrick has been described as "the most methodical and disciplined golfer on the planet". Since the age of 15, he has kept a record of every shot he has played. His practice routine is so rigorous that according to his father, "if somebody spent a week with him, you'd think he's crazy". 

"There's just a dedication to getting better each day," says his brother Alex. "The 1% every day gets him there and separates him from everyone else." He is prepared to try anything, however weird: "I'd rather win than worry about looking stupid". 

To compete with players who could drive the ball further, he put on 20 pounds in weight and invested in a training system called The Stack. This involves using a weighted club and an AI app to increase the speed of his swing.

"I don't know where it's come from," says Billy Foster, "but his work ethic is like no other". 

Yes: You can do everything in your power to win, but whether you do depends on how things go on the day. If Zalatoris had not missed his vital last put, he might well have come out on top.  

No: Successful people make their own luck. Fitzpatrick won the tournament because he is highly disciplined and mentally tough and uses every means available to make the most of his natural talent.

Or... There is no such thing as luck - everything in the universe behaves according to certain immutable rules. Holding superstitious beliefs can only be a hindrance in the pursuit of success.