Fab Fowler has become the form man in the Majors
STATISTICS can be mystifying.
Rickie Fowler knows that better than any other golfer on the planet after finishing joint second at Hoylake last Sunday.
Along with his tied second in the US Open and tied for fifth at The Masters, he is 18-underpar for this year’s first three Majors.
That’s seven strokes better than Rory McIlroy, who lifted the Claret Jug for the first time, and way ahead of US Open champion, Martin Kaymer.
The Californian, however, is undaunted by the anomaly.
He may have won just one event on the US Tour, the Wells Fargo Championship two years ago when be beat McIlroy in a play-off.
But he’s delighted by his improved performance this year as a result of switching to Tiger Wo o d s ’ former instructor, Butch Harmon.
“My overall confidence is definitely high because of the way I have finished in the three Majors this season,” says the colourful 25-year-old.
“I am now driving the ball a little bit longer and a little bit straighter, and that makes a big impact.
“In turn, that takes a lot of stress off the rest of my game.”
Fowler is adamant that not only has his ball- striking improved under Harmon, his mental approach on the course has also benefitted enormously.
“Last year I was 106th in final- round scores. This year I’m up to 12th,” says Fowler.
“Having a guy like Butch, who has taken a few guys to World No. 1 and also helped many others get Majors under their belts, has been huge.
“Even just talking to him helps. And sharing stories and going through preparations before tournaments and the weekend has been invaluable.”
That might be an understatement, considering Fowler is the only player to finish in the top five this season in all three Majors.
But it augurs well for the game that Fowler, who was the world’s No. 1- ranked amateur golfer for 36 weeks, is now beginning to realise the potential that saw him take the Rookie of the Year Award back in 2010, ahead of a certain Irishman called McIlroy.
Fowler’s form was so good he earned a Captain’s Pick for the 2012 Ryder Cup, where he stormed back to finish with four birdies and halve his Singles match with Edoardo Molinari.
Now he has emulated Tiger Woods, who was the last player to have three consecutive top five finishes in Majors back in 2005.
Fowler will be in the United States team at Gleneagles, and he admits that will cap a great year.
“I’m definitely pleased with where my game’s at,” he says.
“I knew Rory was going to be tough to catch, but I’m heading in the right direction.
“The Majors are all about sticking around for four days. So if I keep playing well and swinging the way I’m swinging – and get a few putts to drop – one of them could be mine.”