Rickie Fowler Nets His First PGA Tour Win!
This weekend saw Rickie Fowler, a risin’ star on the PGA Tour, winnin’ his first Tour event on Sunday after hittin’ a wedge to 4 feet in a playoff and makin’ birdie. As a thrill-seekin’ motorcross racer in his teens, Fowler is no stranger to high-pressure and adrenaline pumpin’ situations. This flair for the dramatics and attention was on full display on Sunday – it was impossible to miss the 23-year-old Fowler, decked out in the finest in ogle-worthy orange hues. The electrifying ensemble may be a far cry from Tiger’s more orthodox choice of red, but Fowler showed his true colors out on the course.
In a three-way playoff against U.S. Champion Rory McIlroy and D.A. Points, Fowler gambled with a 51-degree wedge that had yielded only four birdies all day. This shot had to be perfect and his club had to perform. Fowler played like a champion.
“I didn’t want to play it safe,” Fowler said of his victory. “I had a good number (133 yards) and I was aiming right of the hole with the wind coming out of the right, and if I hit a perfect shot, it comes down right on the stick. … I hit a perfect shot at the right time, and I was going for it.”
The young golfer stuffed his shot into 4 feet for a birdie on the first extra hole, soundly beating McIlroy and Points to win the Wells Fargo Championship. This first PGA win after his 67th start as a pro is sure to bring Fowler a breath of relief. It seems, more than anything, this dose of success has whetted Fowler’s fledgling appetite.
“I’m looking forward to playing with Rory for a long time,” said Fowler of his fellow 23-year-old competitor. “It’s awesome. It’s a long wait, but well worth it.”
Though Fowler and McIlroy make it seem like golf is quickly becomin’ a young man’s game, this here fossil of a caveman is still alive and swingin’ – and so was D.A. Points on Sunday. The 35-year-old had the tournament firmly in his grasp. Unfortunately, Points ended his sensational bogey-free streak (a 40 hole streak to be exact) by bogeying at the worst time. He had a one-shot lead going to the 18th in regulation, hit is approach in a bunker, and never recovered or even came close to par. His shot of 71 just couldn’t compete with Fowler’s 3-under 69.
Points had to admit that he was simply out-shot by Fowler on that final hole. “The shot he hit was spectacular,” Points graciously stated.
Only time’ll tell what the golfin’ world has in store for this new star. Stay tuned with Rock Bottom and good ol’ Scratch here for what’s next in Rickie Fowler’s golfin’ future!
