Rickie Fowler responded to the criticism with a performance that showed he can still be considered a threat in the world of golf. Despite not having won a tournament since 2023, Fowler showed his potential at the Truist Championship.
Negativity, I would say, somehow helps me because it drives me to go out and prove people wrong.
Rickie Fowler
Fowler, after receiving criticism for his invitation to the PGA Championship, responded with an outstanding round. He achieved eight birdies and a bogey, signing a card of 63 strokes (-7) at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, finishing two strokes behind the leader, Keith Mitchell.
The 36-year-old golfer, currently ranked 125th in the world, has been at the center of the conversation following his invitation to the upcoming PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.
Fowler, who has won six times on the circuit, has participated in nine events this year without achieving a top 10. He needed a sponsor exemption to play this weekend at the Philadelphia course.
A good start and eager to move forward.
Rickie Fowler
Fowler’s win drought dates back to July 2023, when he won the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit.
His short game was key at the Cricket Club, including a 13-foot birdie putt on the 7th hole and a birdie on the 18th. Fowler described the birdie on the 18th as the shot of his round, after a bogey on the 17th.
Fowler also highlighted a minor adjustment to his irons, which allowed him to improve his game.
For those who doubt their ability to win, Fowler recalled a 2015 Sports Illustrated poll that named him one of the most overrated players on the circuit. In response, he won The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.
