FOWL' BALL

Rickie rolls into Sunday with 7 - under 65, putting him un play for comeback

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rickie Fowler fired a 7-under par 65 on Saturday at Augusta National. He’ll need to play better on Sunday if he’s going to have a chance to catch Patrick Reed and win his first major championship.

Fowler opened his first bogeyfree around at Augusta National with an eagle at the par-5 second hole and made five birdies to climb to 9-under par for the tournament. He’ll start the day five shots behind Reed.

“We’re definitely in the golf tournament,” Fowler said. “I’m going to need to play the front nine well [Sunday] and put myself really in the mix for when this golf tournament starts, which is the final nine holes.

“I think the big thing is I’ll need to make some key putts, whether they are for birdie or pars to not fall further behind, and to really put ourselves in a position to go win this tournament.”

Fowler took advantage of the rain that fell during the day and softened the greens.

“It seemed like they were just a great speed to make putts,” he said. “Obviously, you still have to put yourself in the proper positions. I just did a good job of managing my way around the golf course and give myself proper looks and make some key par saves.” Fowler was in contention during the final round of the Masters last year. He was in

third place after 54 holes, but shot 76 on Sunday to finish tied for 11th.

“It’s going to be a tough task [on Sunday],” Fowler

said. “I’m going to have to play some pretty good, solid golf. “I’m definitely playing this golf course the best I have, ever, as far as how comfortable I am on each and every hole,” he added. “I think I’m hitting a lot more greens than I’ve ever hit here, and probably driving it the best I have here. So I’m looking forward to keeping that going. Fairways and greens will be big; just keep me on the putting surface and hopefully in the right spot, and we’ll go make some putts.”