It’s great to see Rickie Fowler back on the leaderboards

Paddy Morgan looks at the return to form by Rickie Fowler in 2023.

Rickie Fowler is a American professional golfer from Murrieta, California. Rickie Fowler had an impressive amateur career as he won two matches at 2007 Walker Cup. The American turned professional in 2009 and played in his first Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in 2010. Fowler won his first PGA Tour event at 2012 Wells Fargo Championship after beating Rory McIlroy in a play-off. Fowler is a fans favourite especially for wearing all orange on the final round of a tournament.

2014 was the year were everybody knew who Rickie Fowler was in the world of golf. Fowler shot four rounds in the 60s to finish in a tied for second at 2014 The Open. He shot a final round of five under at Hoylake to finish two shots behind winner McIlroy. Valhalla was the venue for 2014 PGA Championship and Fowler shot a final round of three under to settle for a second tied second position in arow at a major. 2014 PGA Championship was won by McIlroy which is the last major he won which is nine years ago. Fowler’s impressive run at majors in 2014 gave him a well-earned Ryder Cup spot at Gleneagles were he ended up losing his singles match 5 & 4 to McIlroy.

Fowler shot a unbelievable final round of 67 to force a play-off with Sergio Garcia at 2015 The Players. Fowler managed to beat Garcia in a play-off to win his first PGA Tour event in three years. Winning at Sawgrass showed that Fowler is able to beat the best players in the world at one of the best courses throughout the world. Gullane hosted 2015 Scottish Open and this was another special week for Fowler as he won his first event on the European Tour. His final round performance was excellent and it’s a great record to say that you have won at both Sawgrass and Gullane.

2015/2016 season was quiet for The American but managed to win the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after a final round of 69. Fowler went to fourth in world golf rankings after his win in Abu Dhabi. Fowler really enjoyed representing America at 2016 Olympics in Brazil. Fowler got his own back on McIlroy as he won against him in the foursomes of 2016 Ryder Cup. The 2016 Ryder Cup was Fowler’s third appearance but the first time to be on a winning side at Hazeltine National.

PGA National is a brutal layout due to water on multiple holes. The American shot three rounds of 66,66 and 65 to lead after three rounds of 2017 edition. He shot a final round of one over and this was enough for Fowler to win 2017 The Honda Classic. Fowler continued his great form in 2018 as he came second at The Masters. Fowler shot two rounds of 64 to win the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open and this was his last win on the PGA Tour.

A lot has happened to Fowler since 2019 as he left his long-time coach Butch Harmon and dropped outside the top 100 in the world golf rankings. Fowler decided in 2022 to return to his former coach Butch Harmon for 2022/2023 season. The American showed signs of improvement as he finished tied 11th at2023 Farmers Insurance Open. He continued his return to form and was swinging the club really well as he had a hole in one at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. He ended up finishing in a tie for 10th at Waste Management Phoenix Open. Fowler shot a final round of four under to finish tied 20th at The Genesis Invitational.

The good memories of winning at The Players came back to him before starting the 2023 edition. He hit some great shots throughout the tournament which included a birdie at the iconic par 3 17th. Another consistent finish as Fowler had a total of seven under for 2023 The Players and ended up in a tie for 13th. Fowler is currently ranked 71st in the world and needs to get back inside the top 50 to play in all the big events throughout 2023. The game of golf is in a good place especially when Fowler is back in contention at tournaments.

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