Rickie Fowler Has A Strong 9-Word Birthday Wish As He Boldy Admits Lexi Thompson Carried Him During The Rounds

Rickie Fowler was getting ready to celebrate his 36th birthday as the sun rose over the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. And honestly, what could be a better way to mark this special day than playing a round of golf? None, as per Fowler. Had he not teed up with Lexi Thompson for the Grant Thornton Invitational, he would have played some golf at home anyway.

Thompson is hanging up her clubs full-time after this tournament. She couldn’t resist to surprise him with a cute little orange cake. When asked about how he liked all of it, Fowler was too happy.

He talked to Mike Wilbon after the first round and amidst all the competition, the PGA Tour pro said that it would be “Fun to see if there is more of it,” he said, referring to the excitement and camaraderie of competing in mixed-gender events like the Grant Thornton Invitational. This year marks the second edition of this one-of-a-kind event.

It’s clear from the nine-word birthday wish that the six-time PGA Tour winner values the opportunity to compete alongside female golfers. And as he celebrated his birthday in style, he couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experience. “I feel like I helped our team get off to a decent start today, but then Lexi carried us away,” Rickie Fowler joked, praising his partner’s exceptional play.

The duo scored a total of 9 birdies carding 9 under par even in such a windy weather. “I think I gave a good start but Lexi did a great job,” Fowler continued to say, referring to impressive shots the retiring golfer shot at the turn, carrying the team to the back nine.

On asking his perception of men and women playing together even after knowing the natural physical differences in their agility and stamina, he remarked, “I think it’s great for getting the golf to see the women and the men having fun together and mixing it up,” highlighting the importance of co-ed events like the Grant Thornton Invitational. “Um, it’s stuff. I mean, obviously, I know there’s a difference in, you know, men’s sports and women’s sports, but there are few situations where that makes sense, and it can help grow the game of the sport,” the 36-year-old continued.

As the PGA Tour pro celebrated his 36th birthday, he is looking forward to what the future holds. And if his birthday wish is any indication, it’s clear that he’s excited to see more of the same companionship and competition that made his special day so unforgettable. But do you know how they formed this bond?

Fowler and Thompson’s relationship on course

Lexi Thompson and Rickie Fowler‘s relationship was on full display at the 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational. But what’s remarkable is that the team came together at the last minute, following Jessica Korda’s departure last year. Despite the unexpected twist, they quickly found their rhythm and went on to participate together at the 2023 Grant Thornton Invitational.

Thompson, an 11-time LPGA winner, was delighted about the opportunity and expressed it on Instagram. “I am very excited to collaborate with Rickie Fowler at the 2023 Grant Thornton Invitational.” “Rickie is the ultimate professional, and I’m looking forward to spending the week with him in Naples,” she added. Fast forwarding to this year, Thompson praised Fowler again in the pre-tournament press conference, saying, “To be able to play alongside the guy is a learning process, and you learn a lot.”

Fowler, on the other hand, highlighted how much fun they had last year and how they hope to improve even further this year. Beyond their golfing collaboration, their friendship is absolutely unique. Thompson surprised Fowler with a small birthday cake on his 36th birthday, explaining, “It was Ricky’s birthday today, so I had to bring a little birthday cake from the tour.”

As Thompson plays her final events, golf fans are eager to hear what her companion, Rickie Fowler, has to say. Fowler admitted Thompson’s retirement will have a “massive” influence on the game. He’s also excited to play with her unofficially, stating, “Maybe we could play more at home.”So, this might not be the last time you see the squad shoot birds together.