Matt Fitzpatrick hopes his Major Championship experience counts in his favour after putting himself in contention at the 2025 US PGA Championship.
The 2022 U.S. Open Champion shot a second consecutive 68 to reach six under par at Quail Hollow, two shots behind leader Jhonattan Vegas in a share of second place.
He was joined on that score by Matthieu Pavon and Si Woo Kim in a largely unfamiliar leading group, with Fitzpatrick and World Number One Scottie Scheffler the only Major Champions within four shots of Vegas' lead.
"Obviously being in this position before is a huge advantage," said the Englishman.
"I think the biggest thing for me that I'll take on is I obviously want to win another major, of course I do, but I've already won one so I feel like there's less pressure when you've already won one.
"Just looking forward to being in contention again. And I think that's the biggest thing, is it's just nice to be in the position."
Fitzpatrick has yet to record a top-20 finish on the PGA Tour this season but the three-time European Ryder Cup player has been encouraged by the recent progress in his game.
"I've still not had a good result yet, and the game is a results business," he admitted.
"I really feel like I hit a lot of really good drives (this week), irons have been under control. For me, it's always been a weaker part of my game. To see it pay off, hit the shots that match my intention this week has been good. Then obviously made some putts and chipped it well as well.
"Saturday is always, I feel like, the make or break of how close you are to the lead. I would say Saturday back nine is where ideally you'd like to play your best holes - your best golf of the tournament for the last 27 (holes), in my opinion."
