As the 2025 Masters Tournament approaches, Rickie Fowler faces an uphill battle. Once celebrated as one of golf’s brightest young talents, Fowler is now facing challenges. His 2023 season showed promise with a win at the Rocket Mortgage Classic and a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team, but maintaining that momentum has been a failed task.

Currently ranked 102nd, Fowler is at risk of missing out on the Masters, which traditionally invites the top 50 players in the rankings. With his current standing, he no longer has an automatic entry, leaving him with only one option: securing a victory in an event before the tournament.  Fowler did not receive a sponsor’s exemption for the Arnold Palmer Invitational as well which further complicated his path to Augusta. The event would have been an opportunity for him to climb the rankings.

His chances of receiving the invitation are bleak, we all know. With no automatic invitation on the horizon, Fowler’s only hope lies in either winning an event or securing a top-50 finish by the end of March. Fowler will now focus on the upcoming Valero Texas Open and the Houston Open. These events hold a chance to increase his chance of earning a coveted spot in the Masters. Notably, the pro has decided to bypass the Valspar Championship, making it clear that his focus is entirely on making a statement in the final stretch leading to Augusta.

Will Rickie Fowler rise to the occasion and secure a spot in the 2025 Masters? Or will this year’s tournament continue his ongoing battle to return to golf’s most prestigious stage? With the clock ticking, Fowler’s upcoming performances will be pivotal. Despite his struggles, Fowler is keeping a positive outlook.

Rickie Fowler hopes to make it to Augusta

Despite facing challenges, Rickie Fowler recently celebrated a win when the New York Golf Club triumphed over the Los Angeles Golf Club in the TGL, earning a spot in the finals. With the finals coinciding with the Houston Open, Fowler now faces a crucial chance to qualify for the Masters.

Fowler reflected on his current position, acknowledging, “I’m not in Augusta, so I need to play better on the real golf course to work on that.” His teammate, Xander Schauffele, offered encouragement, saying, “Just got to win it all, Rick, and we’ll see you there.” To which Fowler said, “Maybe a win next week might give me some momentum to go win a tournament.” 

As the Masters draws nearer, all eyes are on Fowler and Clanton. Will Fowler rediscover his form and earn his spot at Augusta, or will Clanton continue to make waves on the big stage? The coming weeks will determine their fate as both players push towards the coveted green jacket.