SAN DIEGO — Rickie Fowler approached Butch Harmon to have a look at his golf swing. Harmon, a well-known instructor of golf swings, shared his thoughts with many Fowler fans.
Harmon stated, “I didn’t say it,” at the PGA Demo Day in Orlando on Tuesday. This was ahead of the 70 thPGA Merchandise Show.
Harmon laughed, then straightened his face and continued.
He said, “It was tragic.” “It was difficult to watch him drop from a perennial top-10 world player all the way down to outside the top 150.” (Fowler fell to 160 the, but has improved to the 106 th entering this week.
Fowler was ranked 134th and 125th respectively in the FedEx Cup rankings in the previous two seasons. He hasn’t won since February 2019’s WM Phoenix Open, but Harmon believes that this will change.
He said that he believed he would win the tournament this year, and added, “The game requires it.”
Fowler opened the Farmers Insurance Open the South Course, Torrey Pines with an even-par 72 on Thursday. He was then asked about Harmon’s claim that victory was in sight.
Fowler stated, “That’s going be happen.” “I thought he would say that this week. It’s possible, but not impossible, to get the start that I need.
Fowler, who split with John Tillery in September, announced that he and Harmon had recommenced working together. Fowler has made steady progress in his return to the player who holds five PGA Tour titles including the 2015 Players Championship. Fowler finished in the top 10 twice during his three first starts of the season. This was highlighted by his Zozo Championship runner-up finish.
Harmon and Fowler were able to alter the plane of Harmon’s swing extensively, Harmon stated.
Rickie Fowler hit his tee shot at the first hole of the 2023 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, San Diego. (Photo by Ray Acevedo – USA TODAY Sports
“He was too flat and got stuck. His left arm position is higher up, and he has more rotation in his hips during backswing.
Fowler admits that the swing changes are still a work-in-progress and look better at the range than on the course. Fowler struggled with his driver last week at American Express. He missed the cut. However, he noted that he was able to get away from the feeling he strives for on takeaway.
“I am certain that I am doing the right thing. Fowler stated that even though we didn’t have the success of the three years, John Tillery was a big help. He taught me a lot and put me in a position to understand Butch when I began back with him. It’s been hard work, but it’s worth it when you see the ball doing what it wants and get some good finishes in fall.
Similar to when World No. Trevor Immelman, CBS Sports’ lead golf analyst, said that Fowler joined Harmon after 1 Rory McIlroy had reconnected with Michael Bannon, his longtime coach.
“Butch has a unique way about him. Immelman stated that he is a great coach. Rickie is a great coach and he listens to him. When Butch is hard on Rickie, he will respond positively. They are doing amazing work. They were there for the Shriners (Children’s Open) Las Vegas. Butch was my guide and I could clearly see the difference at the range. It’s true, I can now see the bleeding slowly on the course. This is the last hurdle.
