Fowler on prowl for first major
UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. — Rickie Fowler gained some notoriety by finishing in the top five of all four major championships in 2014. But that proved to be just a stepping stone to capturing the prestigious Players Championship last May in a playoff.
“There’s a difference between a top five and getting the job done and being the guy last standing holding the trophy at the end,” Fowler said. “I definitely feel like the win at the Players was kind of the next step to holding the trophy at a major.”
Fowler is hoping to accomplish that when he competes in the 115th U. S. Open beginning Thursday at Chambers Bay. Fowler is among the group of golfers embracing the new links layout.
“It’s kind of cool coming to a new course because it almost levels the playing field a bit,” he said. “Everyone for the most part hasn’t had that much experience around here. I’ve had fun the past few days getting to hit some shots and see what the golf course has to offer and also figure out where you absolutely do not want to go.”
Winning the Players felt like a major to Fowler, he said, and gives him a good mental reference heading into the U. S. Open.
“I’m only going to draw positives from that,” he said. “It’s the strongest field we play all the year. It’s the Players Championship on a great golf course. It was a great finish. It was definitely something that I wanted and it was nice to be able to pull it off.
“I really feel comfortable on this golf course,” he added. “I love playing links golf. I’ve played well in the British Open overseas. And being that I have played well in the U. S. Open, I feel like putting the two together with the links style and the U. S. Open setup could turn out to be a great week.”
Despite his recent success, Fowler may carry the title of “best player not to win a major” if he doesn’t break through soon.
“After my performance last year in the majors, I really felt like I solidified it to myself that I belonged on the big stage and kind of proved that this is the kind of game I have,” he said. “With getting the win and taking care of business at the Players, that’s where I want to be.”