Rickie Fowler Fought Back From Golf's Abyss, Now He's in Prime Position at U.S. Open
LOS ANGELES — His popularity never waned, nor his disposition. But beyond all the flashy clothes and autograph sessions and commercial shoots was a frustrated golfer who understandably struggled with the downturn in his game.
Just last fall, Rickie Fowler was ranked 185th in the world.
Now he’s leading the U.S. Open through two rounds, having made a 36-hole record 18 birdies. It’s good only for a one-shot lead over Wyndham Clark at Los Angeles Country Club but it is considerably better than where he was during last year’s tournament—at home.
"He never let it show," said Fowler’s father, Rod, as his son dealt with all the various media requests following a 2-under-par 70 early Friday evening. "I knew he was irritated and probably disgusted at times. But he's had a good attitude. He's always looking forward. And I think that’s helped him."
Fowler has put forth an impressive two rounds, shooting 62 on Thursday to set a U.S. Open scoring record (matched a short time later by Xander Schauffele) and then following up with a 68 that included eight birdies, six bogeys and just four pars.
His 36-hole total of 130, 10 under par, matches the 36-hole scoring record for the tournament set by Martin Kaymer in 2014 at Pinehurst No. 2.
"I sure hope everyone can relate to struggles because everyone deals with them," said Fowler, whose last victory came at the 2019 WM Phoenix Open. "No one's perfect. I think you'd be lying if you haven't been through a tough time, especially if you play golf.
“It was great being able to walk up 18, especially after hitting a good drive and hitting it on the green. Didn't have a whole lot to worry about. The fans have been great here. I feel like especially yesterday as the round went on, just kind of more and more energy as I continued to go more and more under par."
Fowler, who grew up in Murrieta, Calif., had top-five finishes in all four major championships, including two runner-up finishes, in 2014.
But in recent years, he’s barely played in the majors. He hasn’t played in the Masters since 2020. At the PGA Championship last month, Fowler missed the cut. His last U.S. Open was a tie for 49th in 2020. And he tied for 53rd at the British Open in 2021.
Last year, Fowler made myriad changes. He parted ways with his long-time caddie, Joe Skovron. He changed coaches, moving on from John Tillery—whom he nonetheless thanked on Friday—and headed back to legendary Butch Harmon.
Slowly he’s put together results including top-10 finishes at each of his last two tournaments.
"Butch has been great for him," Rod Fowler said. "He tells him what he needs to hear. It’s hard for us as parents. But told him last fall he’d win again this season and I hope it’s this week."
Fowler was in no way wanting to get ahead of himself on that front. He’s been around long enough to know nothing is guaranteed at that point. Clark recently won the Wells Fargo Championship. Rory McIlroy (67) and Schauffele (70) are just two shots back.
Harris English is fifth, two-time major champion Dustin Johnson is tied for sixth, with Scottie Scheffler lurking five shots back.
"Yes, I'm in the lead, but we're only halfway there. Being in the lead is nice, but it really means nothing right now," Fowler said. "I'm looking forward to continuing to challenge myself and go out there and try and execute the best I can. Like I said, a lead right now doesn't really mean anything.
"It's about being in a good position after the first two days, obviously making the cut, having a tee time on Saturday. But we're in a great position, and like I said, having a lead right now doesn't really mean much. A little different once you get to after 54 holes because that's when things really heat up."