Fowler aims to take Jug to the house he shares with champion Spieth
RICKIE FOWLER is determined to become America’s latest Major champion and parade the trophy at his house-mates’ expense.
USA stars hold all the Majors and boast five of the world’s top seven – ominously ahead of their Ryder Cup defence in September.
Fowler himself is world No.7 but has not yet lifted one of golf’s biggest four trophies.
Instead he has had to watch compatriots Brooks Koepka win back-to-back US Opens, while Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed have lifted the PGA Championship, The Open and Masters respectively.
America hasn’t reeled off five Major wins in a row like this since 1982, when England’s leading hope Justin Rose was aged two.
USA also holds The Presidents, Solheim, Walker, Palmer and Curtis Cups.
Now Fowler, 29, runner-up at the Masters in April with a final round 67 to finish one shot behind Reed, is seriously eyeing the Claret Jug at Carnoustie.
And success will make for lively celebrations in the rented ‘frat house’ he shares with six compatriots this week, including defending champ Spieth.
Californian Fowler told Mirror Sport: “I have had plenty of good finishes in Majors, just haven’t got the win.
“I am looking forward to getting that out of the way, whether it is this week or coming soon. Earlier this year at the Masters, it was a big week for me as far as knowing we could go and get it done.
“The way we played on the back nine in contention before ultimately birdieing the last to keep Patrick Reed honest and make him earn it was very encouraging.
“It was a blast being there and to do that. I am looking forward to getting back in a similar position.”
Fowler is staying in Carnoustie under the same roof as pals Thomas, Spieth, Jason Dufner, Zach Johnson, Jimmy Walker and Kevin Kisner.
They have hired a chef and Fowler says victory will also give him house bragging rights.
He smiled: “It could be noisy if someone wins.
“Last year Jordan won and he was in the house. It’s great when one of the guys in the place wins and I’ll be trying to beat-out all of them this time.
“Then being able to hold it over all of their heads for the next year.”
Fowler can draw further inspiration from his Open record as he has finished tied fifth at St George’s in 2011 and tiedsecond at Hoylake in 2014.
He is not panicking about his lack of a Major title as Phil Mickelson had to wait until aged 33 to claim the Masters after 12 years as a pro, while Sergio Garcia was 37 when he won at Augusta.
Fowler reflected: “Phil didn’t get his first for a while and neither did Sergio.
“I don’t think Majors are necessarily ones where you can force the issue.
“But I am feeling good about the game and I enjoy playing links golf. I am really looking forward to this week.”