LOS ANGELES – Rickie FOWLER admitted that he just wasn’t feeling it today.
Fowler, who was born in California, set a record for the U.S. Open with an 8-under-62 opening round. He held a share of lead at Los Angeles Country Club until Sunday afternoon. The California native, who was less than 100 miles away from his home town, was on a quest to win a major championship that had been awaited for a long time. He was in the final pairing with eventual champion Wyndham, a position that he had been in twice, both in 2014
Fowler was T-2 in front of Martin Kaymer that year at the U.S. Open and T-2 again behind Rory McIlroy at the Open Championship later that summer. Fowler shot a 5-over-75 and finished T-5.
Leaderboard for the 2023 U.S. Open
“Iron Play was below average, and did not make anything. It’s important to have a good Sunday in a major. Fowler said that he kept his stress levels down by making putts, and keeping the situation relatively calm. He now has nine top five finishes in 48 majors. Sunday was the exact opposite. “I was fighting it through all day.”
Fowler said, “I wasn’t as tight with my spots. That was the way it was, particularly the first two.” Fowler continued, “I used to have a lot more control over the ball and could place it where I wanted, but today, I wasn’t as good at that. I had to be a little bit more aggressive with my putts.
We had some good things this week. We just couldn’t make it happen today.
Fowler knew that his ship was sailing off into the sunset of the Pacific when Clark hit an incredible shot from 282 feet to only 20 feet at the par-5 14 thhole.
“That was an excellent shot for the situation and time. Evidently made 4. Fowler said, “I thought if I made that putt, which I almost did, that I might be able to make a two-shot move and maybe even make a run on the last three.” “I knew I was outside the group, but you never know how things will turn out. It’s hard to end tournaments. You don’t want anyone to lose, but you can’t let them down. “Yeah, I would say that when I missed the 16th fairway I knew it was going to be tough to get up from there.”
Fowler could easily berate himself if each of his rounds got worse over the course of the week. Fowler signed for scores of 70 and 68 before his first round over-par of the championship on Sunday. He’s instead choosing to take a high road and enjoy the perspective that comes from another close call.
Rickie Fowler putsts at the first green in the final round of 123rd U.S. Open Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images).
“I felt really good this week. I was able to build on my performance from the first round. I enjoyed it. Fowler explained that you learn from every experience. Fowler said, “I’m not in the position I wanted after today but there are many positives to come from this week.”
The fans showed their support for the Californian kid in the final round gallery, where bright orange shirts were scattered. He appreciated the fans’ support, but his family will make it easier for him to accept this disappointing finish.
He said: “I was obviously very disappointed, but seeing my daughter before I scored took a lot away from that. In the big picture and big scheme of things we all want to win tournaments, but she couldn’t care less whether I shot 65 or 85.” “But having her there and then traveling to Travelers tomorrow, yeah, it just kind of makes you realize that golf is special, and it’s something I love, but it’s not everything.”
Fowler has seen his form improve in recent years, and especially this year. The 34-year old has had seven top-10 finishes in 18 PGA Tour appearances, including a runner up finish at the Zozo championship last fall. He has consistently been in contention, and another strong major performance is more likely than not in the cards, which hasn’t happened in quite some time.
Phil Mickelson’s first major came at the 2004 Masters, after 47 major appearances in his career without a win. Adam Scott won his first major after 48 attempts at the 2013 Masters. Stewart Cink needed 50 attempts before he won the 2009 Open Championship. Other golfers who won their first majors later in their career include Sergio Garcia, Tom Kite, Mark O’Meara and Darren Clarke.
Fowler’s performance this week will not change how he is viewed by the media or fans. Fowler’s answers are always open and honest, regardless of whether the result was good or bad. Fowler will sign autographs until his hands cramp up, whether he shoots 65 points or 75. He has been a mainstay in the game for over a decade and another disappointing performance won’t change this.
Who’s to say that the 2023 U.S. Open won’t be his week?
