Rickie Fowler Takes Down Jon Rahm In Huge Upset at WGC-Match Play

In typical March fashion, the WGC-Dell Match Play provided a big upset Wednesday morning, with Rickie Fowler defeating world No. 2 Jon Rahm, 2 and 1. 

“I knew it was going to be tough, but Jon obviously didn’t play very well today. Not his normal on the greens. Ball striking was a bit off,” Fowler said. “It’s match play. You never know what you’re going to get. You just got to go beat the guy you’re against. Fortunate to come out on top. I know he’s going to be tough the next couple matches for some guys. I got to go take care of business because there is a chance I still might face him.”

Fowler, currently ranked 59th in the world (43rd in the Sports Illustrated World Golf Ranking), lost two holes to the Spaniard early, but the match shifted in his favor at the 8th hole. Fowler won the 460-yard par 4 with a par, shrinking his deficit to just 1. Rahm continued to struggle throughout the back nine, while Fowler fired off three birdies. The Oklahoma State product climbed to 2 up over Rahm by the par-3 17th hole, where both players made par, giving Fowler the group stage victory. 

Fowler has a lot more on the line this week at Austin Country Club than Rahm. A strong performance at the event could propel Fowler into the OWGR’s top 50, a scenario which would secure him a spot in next month’s Masters. 

Fowler’s swing troubles and streaks of inconsistency caused him to plummet in the world rankings—even dropping out of the top 100 in 2021—but he’s beginning to regain form as of late. Some dedicated swing work with Butch Harmon and a switch in putting style have helped Fowler start to see the results he’s been seeking. 

“So my short-term goal is to obviously get myself back in Augusta,” Fowler said during his pre-tournament press conference. “If that doesn't happen, we're going to continue to move forward and be in a good position."

Fowler’s victory wasn’t the only upset of Day 1 at the WGC-Dell Match Play. Ben Griffin, a PGA Tour rookie and former loan officer, defeated Englishman Tyrrell Hatton, 3 and 1. Plus, Andrew Putnam beat the No. 7-seeded Will Zalatoris, 3 and 2, and recent Players Championship contender Min Woo Lee defeated Sahith Theegala, 1 up.