Rickie Fowler is a name that has been orbiting the golf ecosystem for some time now. First, it was the record-breaking first round at the 2023 US Open. Second, it was the win at the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic which ended his winless drought of more than four years. All this has even allowed the American golfer to rise to the 23rd rank in the OWGR.

However, the professional air around the golfer wasn’t always like this. For the past few years, he has faced his fair share of bad games. While the 2023 US Open was anticipated by many as the golfer’s chance to finally claim his first major, it was seized from him by Wyndham Clark. Despite that, there has been a drastic improvement in Fowler’s game.

His confidence in his skills and putting have been clearly visible on the greens. Additionally, the golfer has been able to overcome any poor shots, which wasn’t a frequent occurrence for the last few years. All these professional advancements, though, cannot be credited to Fowler alone.

An entire team of other professionals has encouraged the golfer to perform well on the field. One such important figure who has played an important role in the 34-year-old’s latest success is none other than his caddie Ricky Romano! After replacing his former caddie, Joe Skovron, Romano has witnessed numerous on- and-off course moments with Fowler. Let’s find out more about the veteran bagman!

Who is Ricky Romano?

Born in the golden poppy super bloom area of California, Murrieta, Ricky Romano had a passion for golf since he was a kid. As a 3-year-old, he had picked up the golf club and decided the game was made for him. This also allowed the caddie to play golf professionally for six years, and his current handicap is +3.

Not only this but as a junior student at the University of Houston, he was part of the team which won eight tournaments at the Division I level. This has equipped the caddie with a great ability to read the greens, management of the course, and precise decision-making which Romano believes to be his greatest assets as a professional caddie.

Also Read: Rickie Fowler’s $1,584,000 Win at the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic: An Ultimate Fan Service in the Last Four Years

The Californian-born looper started his professional journey in 2012. Since then he has been on the bag for Jason Kokrak, Aaron Wise, Nate Lashley, and others. His shift to his fellow Californian Fowler came about last year around the CJ Cup in South Carolina.

The duo since their partnership have faced many challenges on the greens together. It is quite evident that their alliance is based on mutual respect and upliftment. If mere words aren’t enough to prove that, Romano’s reaction to Sunday’s Rocket Mortgage Classic victory shows how happy he was after Fowler’s winning putt.

As a looper, Romano’s favorite part of being a caddie is traveling. He loves getting a chance to witness different golf courses and experiencing the challenges they have to offer. The caddie believes it makes a good finish even more rewarding. Apart from his role as a caddie, Ricky Romano discussed with the Caddie Network his likes when he is not caddying on the fields.

More details about Romano’s favorites and interests other than golf

The veteran bagman boasts hobbies that are on a different tangent, totally different from the contactless game of golf. This includes Bass Fishing and surfing. The stats for the former reflect a great passion Ricky Romano has for the activity. During his Caddie Network interview, the caddie mentioned, “My biggest fish I’ve ever caught was a 564 lb“. It was a Thresher Shark and the feat found a place in the Oceanside Harbor Record.

In addition to this, he also loves to surf and watch the World Surf League. In the same interview, Romano mentioned that his favorite surfers are Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning. Aside from hobbies, the Californian caddie also disclosed that his favorite movie is Jaws. Also, he enjoys sushi and buffalo wild wings.

All these provide an interesting insight into the life of this experienced professional. However, it is even more curious to note that he took the place of another veteran caddie, Joe Skovron, who was Rickie Fowler’s former looper. Though the reason behind the split is unknown, the pair parted ways after 13 years which came as a shock to many.

Despite the separation, Fowler called Skovron a “big brother“, as per Golf Monthly. He hoped this decision to prove fruitful for both parties. Well! For now, that is exactly how the case appears. While Skovron enjoys his team-up with Tom Kim, Fowler is experiencing a new professional high with Romano.

Watch this story: ‘I’m Going to Stick With Rickie’: Moments Before the $8,800,000 Event, Paige Spiranac Reveals Why Rickie Fowler Is the Most Dangerous Competitor