Matt Fitzpatrick has distinguished himself in golf with major championships like the 2015 British Masters and the 2022 U.S. Open.
His wife, Katherine Gaal, shows her support by marking up golf balls for him. She uses a red marker to add red hearts and notes such as “I love you” and “MF is cute.”
Katherine Gaal’s Personal and Professional Life
Katherine explained that marking the golf balls is a way for her to be involved. She personalises them with hearts and stars, but sometimes uses fish for more serious tournaments.
Gaal was born and raised in New Jersey. She holds a double major degree in broadcast journalism and finance from Penn State University. She has worked in education and corporate marketing.
According to her LinkedIn profile, she most recently worked as a marketing manager for a software company in New Jersey.
Pageant Career and Sporting Background
In 2014, Gaal was the first runner-up in the Miss New Jersey USA pageant. She was also a semifinalist in 2015 and won Miss Congeniality that year, according to Pageant World.
Before meeting Fitzpatrick, Gaal worked as a tennis professional at the Bay Head Yacht Club in Bay Head, New Jersey for two and a half years. She directed beginners and advanced players and organised social events.
Olympic Connection and Wedding Details
Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Gaal shared on Instagram that her grandfather won a bronze medal in fencing at the 1948 London Summer Olympics. Her grandfather, Dean Cetrulo, competed as a member of the U.S. men’s team sabre fencing team.
Fitzpatrick had to withdraw from the Olympics in August due to a thumb injury, following the third round.
Katherine and Matt were engaged in the garden of her childhood home. “Matt proposed in the garden of the home I grew up in,” Katherine told Wezoree for a wedding profile. “Bay Head is truly my favorite place in the world. He had a beautiful flower arch made on the arbor in my yard, and all my friends were there to witness the moment.”
Their wedding was covered by Tatler Weddings. The ceremony was at All Saints Episcopal Church in Bay Head, New Jersey, five minutes from Katherine’s childhood home. The bride wore a long-sleeve lace gown by designer Mira Zwillinger.
Social Media Presence
Reflecting her last name change, her Instagram handle went from @katherinegaal to @katherinefitz. She has amassed a following of more than 19,000 followers.
- She often posts from his competitions.
- She also posts from major sporting events they are invited to.
- These events include Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the British Open, and Formula 1.
Gaal is frequently on the tour with Fitzpatrick, demonstrating her support for his career.