Days After Getting Up and Close With Injured Tiger Woods, Will Rickie Fowler Prove His Worth as America’s Trump Card?

Tiger Woods has been a rare sight in 2023, at least in competitive golf due to his injuries. But the 15-time major champ often surfaces in headlines playing for one reason or another. Before the Ryder Cup commences in 5 days, his absence could be a lot to take. But that’s not the case.

While Woods is not present in the 12-player squad representing America, he definitely is staying in touch with the team. Even with the most controversial Ryder Cup pick for this season, Rickie Fowler. Recently, the two men were golfing together. Do you think Fowler is seeking Tiger’s help to prove his worth?

When Rickie Fowler met Tiger Woods!

The 2022-2023 season can easily be a testament to Fowler’s comeback. He rose to No.26 in OWGR, made 23 cuts in 25 apperances on the PGA Tour. Made 18 top-25s, and eight top-10s. After waiting a few years, he also won his sixth tour title at the $8m Rocket Mortgage Classic.

Zach Johnson did choose him for the Ryder Cup – an iconic event where the American team will try to retain the trophy and end the losing streak of 30 years on foreign soil. Marco Simone is awaiting the two teams, and the golf world is ready to witness golf’s glory. But will Fowler’s luck extend to the patriotic event?

Earlier in September, he was spotted playing with Tiger Woods at the Nexus Cup, the exclusive amateur competition. It looks like the legendary golfer turned host while Fowler picked the role of his disciple as they practiced some rounds of the game together. Fowler will have indeed learnt something from the master himself.

This is not the first time the 30-year-old will play for national glory. He has represented Team US in the Ryder Cup in the past and one can expect his experience to stand him in good stead.

Also Read: Luke Donald vs Rory McIlroy: Team Europe’s Real Torchbearer for the 2023 Ryder Cup

Rickie Fowler and the Ryder Cup over the years

After much scrutiny over his game, recovering from swing issues, and rectifying the lack of confidence, Fowler will finally take the flight to Italy. The love and adoration fans have for him is rare. And their hearts might be thrilled at the prospect of witnessing him again playing at the patriotic showdown.

With a Ryder Cup record of 3-7-5. Fowler will walk into his fifth Ryder Cup appearance. And this is the third time he will enter as a captain’s pick. Zach Johnson had these criteria in place — guys getting along well, wanting to be with each other, course fit, experience in place — before he picked his six picks.

Rickie Fowler is close friends with other Ryder Cup players like Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. Everyone else also likes him! Hence, his team camaraderie is in place. As per Golfweek, Fowler is comfortable playing on a foreign course and finds it more fun. So the course fit sits right. Lastly, an experienced player knows how to bounce back after a slump and stay confident. Rickie Fowler now seems like a good fit for the game.

And, it does not seem coincidental that days after their encounter at Liberty National, Butch Harmon, the coach who trained the likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, tested the strength of Rickie Fowler. The coach declared Fowler ready for the Ryder Cup after a good show in harsh conditions.

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