Rickie trumps Donald to be a huge success with the Scottish golf fans
Rickie Fowler is one American golfer determined to leave a positive impression in Scotland this weekend.
While US President Donald Trump was playing across the country at Turnberry yesterday amid large protests, Fowler was being cheered around Gullane at the Scottish Open.
The ever popular Fowler shot a two- under- par 68 in harder conditions than the first two days to finish on 12-under-par, one behind surprise leader Jens Danthorp of Sweden.
The Californian was a winner on this course, and in this event in 2015, and he would love a repeat as he gears up for next week’s Open Championship at Carnoustie.
Fowler struggled on his opening nine into the wind, but he found his range on the inward half with three birdies to put himself firmly in the mix.
It looked likely to be good enough for a share of the lead, only for Danthorp to birdie the final three holes and gain a slender advantage.
The Swede is an unlikely frontrunner as he is currently 106th on the Race to Dubai and has never won a European Tour event.
Co n d i t i o n s w e re tougher yesterday as the course produced a lovely links mix of breezy sunshine, rather than the total birdie fest of the first 36 holes.
England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick didn’t expect to be near the top when he finished his round, but he was certainly happy with his day’s work.
He burst out of the blocks with four birdies in his first five holes and he eventually signed for a six-underpar 64.
After missing the cut in Ireland last week, it was a welcome return to form for the Sheffield golfer. He’s determined to maintain that this afternoon with so much at stake.
Fitzpatrick is currently in ninth spot in the Ryder Cup rankings with only the top eight earning automatic selection, so a super Sunday at Gullane would be very welcome.
The 23-year-old has already had four wins on Tour, but another one here with a first prize of more than $1m would go a long way towards rubber- stamping his place in Thomas Bjorn’s European team at Le Golf National.
“One thing I have been doing this year is tending to have my best days on a Sunday,” he said. “Hopefully I can have another one of those and see where it takes me.
“I couldn’t really get on with the course last week in Ireland. It didn’t really suit my eye and I didn’t hole too many putts, as well.
“This week is a lot better. I have putted so much better and I feel comfortable around this golf course. “That makes a big difference.” He’s a keen football fan but his late tee-off time to suit the demands of American television means he won’t see any of the World Cup final in Russia.
But with England bowing out at the semi-final stage, he’s more than happy to concentrate on the day job.
“I couldn’t care less about the World Cup final now,” he smiled. “My mind will be totally on the golf.
“I probably hope France win because they’re the better team and I saw a few comments from the Croatians in the paper after the match that I didn’t like.”
Also in a tie for second is New Zealand’s Ryan Fox who carried on his good form from last week where he was runner-up to Russell Knox at the Irish Open with a best-of-theday 63.
That was matched by Australia’s Scott Hend, who had seven birdies and not a single drop shot on his card to also reach the 12-under mark.
Also there are Sweden’s Alexander Bjork and German Marcel Siem, but there are 17 players within three shots of Danthorp.
While it’s tight at the top, it was a bad day at the office for halfway leader Robert Rock.
The Englishman had begun the round with a two-shot advantage, but an opening bogey was an ominous start and he plummeted down the field, eventually finishing with a five-over 75.