“Was I Scared of Something?”: Rickie Fowler Reflects Mental Struggles He Faced Following PGA Tour Failures

The 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic approaches this week! Rickie Fowler, a name once synonymous with talent and flair on the PGA Tour, finds himself at a crossroads. At 35, the American recently wrapped up a disappointing showing at the 2024 U.S. Open, failing to make a significant impact. 

He has participated in 15 events so far this year, but he hasn’t secured a top-10 finish. In fact, he only managed to place in the top 20 once, which was at the RBC Heritage tournament. As he prepares to compete in the Rocket Mortgage Classic this week—a tournament he won last year—the golf world is left to ponder: what has led to his recent struggles? 

Rickie Fowler’s revelation of his performances

In a candid episode by COBRA Golf | PUMA Golf podcast featuring Rickie Fowler, the 6-time PGA Tour winner, gave a reflection on the complexities that have hampered his performances in recent years. Fowler revealed the depth of his challenges, “Between the mental and physical side, it varies day to day and week to week. You’re struggling and not hitting it well and trying to manage your way around. It becomes both a physical and mental battle at that point. You go through ups and downs, go through struggles.” This admission is particularly moving given his history of competing at the top level. 

Once a top-five player in the world, his recent performances have been inconsistent. Fowler particularly emphasized the last three years and admitted that his performances have been disappointing, and he’s trying his best to analyze the reasons behind his missed shots. “Trying to think through and understand why the last shot you didn’t hit how you wanted to, and missed it where you did, or was it mental, or was I not committed, or was I scared of something.”

Fowler’s honesty about his fears and uncertainties, and his acknowledgment that “there’s not many days where you get to just cruise around and it feels effortless” underscores the reality of competitive sports. Despite enjoying moments of success, especially the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship, where he beat Rory McIlroy in an 18th-hole playoff, he admits those days have been “few and far between.” 

Missing the FedEx Cup for the first time since 2010 was a harsh blow for the American. “Yeah, it sucks,” Fowler said at the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro, as he dropped to No. 130 in the FedEx point rankings in 2021. But he is not the one who knows when to step back but keeps on grinding.

Rickie Fowler’s journey is far from over

After missing the cut at the Memorial Tournament and the U.S. Open, Fowler arrived at TPC River Highlands determined to reclaim his form. He spent extensive hours practicing in the sweltering heat, a testament to his enduring work ethic. “I was here all day,” Fowler noted after scoring a 64 in the opening round of the Travelers Championship, his best round score of the season. 

Moreover, his remarkable performance featured six birdies and no bogeys. Fowler’s iron game was solid, hitting 14 of 18 greens in regulation, and his putting was exceptional, sinking a 25-footer on the seventh hole and a 38-footer on the 17th hole for birdies.

Despite these promising signs, Fowler remains grounded. “I’m significantly closer this year from where I was a few years back,” he remarked. “It’s been a struggle, but definitely not as tough as a few years ago.” His perseverance and transparency about his struggles have garnered respect from the fans, and there is still hope that his hard work will yield the desired results.

The current OWGR No. 50 stands as a reminder of his pursuit of excellence in golf. Despite the setbacks, his journey underscores the determination required to compete at the highest level. Whether he triumphs or faces more challenges, Rickie Fowler’s story continues to inspire and captivate the golfing community. Share your thoughts on the fans’ favorite in the comments section below.