Fowler fair PGA game
SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — Rickie Fowler is still waiting. So are all those who believe it’s just a matter of time before his moment comes.
Last year, Fowler finished in the top five in all four majors, a feat of some consequence, but he did not win any of them, which, some would say, is the only feat that matters in golf.
This season, he’s been far less impressive in the majors, finishing tied for 12th at the Masters, in a tie for 30th at the British Open and missing the cut at the U.S. Open. On the plus side entering this week’s PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, the 26-year-old won The Players Championship and the Scottish Open, two wins that have taken the stink away from what is becoming a long wait.
“Not concerned at all,” Fowler said about having yet to win his first major while younger players like Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy are well into their trophy collection. “It’s been great to get the two wins this year, getting the win at The Players, basically the best field that we play against all year and a great win, and getting the win on a links course at the Scottish Open. And to win the way I did, making birdies coming in, definitely made it that much better. There would probably be more pressure if I hadn’t won this year. I came into the year just focusing on getting a win wherever it might be. And to be sitting here with two wins so far this year, this has definitely been a successful year. With where my game is at and where it has been, if I can just go about my game plan and take care of my business, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be in contention and have a chance to win this week but I have to make sure that I stay patient and stick to my game plan and focus on what I need to do.
“Ultimately it would be nice to have a major championship on the résumé. This would be a great week to start that, but I don’t want to — I definitely don’t want to push myself or try and make things happen too much.”
To avoid that, Fowler said he has taken to heart the philosophy espoused by Jack Nicklaus, who won more majors than any golfer in history. Nicklaus used to insist winning majors was not that difficult. Having done it 18 times, it was easy for him to say.
“I’m trying to go with that outlook and go out there and just focus on sticking to my game plan and taking care of the business that I need to take care of out there,” Fowler said of Nicklaus’ philosophy, “and ultimately putting myself in a position going into the weekend to be in contention. So I don’t look at them as any harder to win. You just really have to be patient and not push any harder than needed.”
To ease the natural tension, Fowler immersed himself yesterday in a battle for dollars with Phil Mickelson, Spieth and Justin Thomas. Spieth sank a putt to cost the Mickelson-Fowler tandem some cash.
“The Tuesday games I think are great for everyone involved, whether you play well or not,” Fowler said. “It gives you an idea of where your game is at and kind of lets you know what needs to be worked on or tightened up for the week. I know Phil loves getting in there, grinding it out, trying to hit a few shots that matter, get the ball up and down and make some putts when he needs to. In a way, we all use it for the same thing, just to kind of check and see what’s on. It’s a very good checkup and that’s what I enjoy about it. It’s fun.
“We talk a lot of trash out there. We have a good time, a lot of good laughs, nothing too serious. It’s always fun to roll in putts on the other guys. So it’s great preparation for the week. We won the press, if that counts for anything. But they got us. Jordan and Justin got us 1-up. Outside of actual tournament golf and being in contention, I feel like it’s some of the best preparation (for) when you are in contention or have shots that matter or on the line when you’re in a tournament, just because you don’t want to lose to your buddies. . . . It makes things matter and count a little bit more, just to kind of get the juices going, getting ready for the week. It ultimately gives you kind of that checklist to go over and see where everything kind of stands.”
Where Fowler stands right now is seventh in the world . . . seventh and waiting.