Sheffield’s Matthew Fitzpatrick found himself on the receiving end of a magical Phil Mickelson WGC – Dell Match Play lesson on day one of the event in Austin, Texas.

Fitzpatrick was never ahead in his encounter against the 10-time USA Ryder Cup stalwart losing 5 & 4 on the Austin Country Club course.

And while Fitzpatrick must now win his second round-robin match, Mickelson was full of praise for the reigning British Masters champ.

“Matthew is a pretty solid player but then I was just so fortunate to get off to a good start with three winning birdies in eight holes, and that was the key for me,” said Mickelson.

“But then I am excited to have won and I’m excited about the rest of this week, I’m excited about the rest of the year. I’m striking the ball better than I have in a long time. I feel good on and around the greens. I just feel like it was a good start to the year, but it was a good thing to build on.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to get better and better. I’m excited.”

World No. 2 Jason Day was in agony with back pain but still won his match 3 & 2 against 2010 Ryder Cup winning hero Graeme McDowell.

And local Texas hero Jordan Speith was never headed winning his match 3 & 2 over Gleneagles Ryder Cup hero Jamie Donaldson.

Matt Fitzpatrick on the range working on his game on the Austin CC practice range.