“Lexi Thompson, how often do you start a round on the first tee with a birthday cake?” That’s exactly what an interviewer wanted to know at the Grant Thornton Invitational. It was Rickie Fowler’s 36th birthday, and everyone enjoyed a little surprise celebration. But wait, Lexi Thompson had a little behind-the-scenes tea to spill too.

Thompson surprised him with an orange birthday cake on the first tee—a sweet gesture that quickly turned into comedy gold. “It was Ricky’s birthday today, so I had to bring a little birthday cake from the tour,” Thompson explained. “And the candles flew out immediately. No, he just went. Yeah, so he got no wish. In his mind, he did, but there were no candles lit.” It was a windy day at Tiburon GC, and well, candles had to blow out on their own. 

Sure, Fowler didn’t get a proper candle-blowing moment, but it seems his wish was already granted. During his interview after the first round, he reflected, “I mean, it’s fun to be able to play some competitive golf on your birthday. If I were at home, I’d probably be playing golf anyway.”

For Fowler, being on the course—competing and having a good time—was all he really wanted. And if more events like this are in the works, who needs candles anyway? Speaking of which, Fowler also has some great ideas for this co-ed game.

Rickie Fowler shares his perspective on Grant Thornton Invitational’s future

The Grant Thornton Invitational is one of a kind. It’s the only event where PGA Tour and LPGA pros compete on the same course at the same time and compete together as a team. It’s a chance for players to connect and that’s exactly why Rickie Fowler is such a fan of this event.

When asked about the possibility of more mixed-gender events in the future, Fowler shared his thoughts on the growth of co-ed sports, not just in golf but across the board. While he acknowledges that men’s and women’s sports have their differences, he sees events like this one as a way to push things forward.

“It’s tough,” Fowler said. “Obviously, I know there are differences in men’s sports and women’s sports, but there are situations where it definitely makes sense, and it can help grow. I see the younger generation; I see you having a good time, laughing, enjoying what you’re doing; kids gravitate towards that.”

He also pointed out that the main goal isn’t to win over older audiences—although that’s great if it happens—but to focus on the younger crowd. “It’s much more about the younger audience, and that’s where the growth comes in. They’ll grow up thinking this is a weird thing if they see it all.”

Fowler’s excited about the idea that today’s kids will grow up seeing mixed-gender competition as totally normal. And if that happens, it’s pretty exciting to think about where sports could go in the future—especially with the next generation leading the way.