Rickie Fowler fades in final round
US Open Golf 2023 : From his remarkable opening-round 62 to his vibrant neon-orange Sunday ensemble, Rickie Fowler captivated audiences during the thrilling 123rd U.S. Open, reminding us why he was once one of the most captivating figures in golf. However, despite a promising start and a share of the lead heading into the final round, Fowler’s quest for the title faltered, resulting in a three-way tie for fifth place at the prestigious Los Angeles Country Club. Despite this setback, Fowler chose to focus on the positive aspects of his performance, acknowledging the progress he has made and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way.
A Promising Week
Amidst the disappointment of falling short, Fowler’s week at the U.S. Open held several significant highlights, underscoring his resurgence in the sport. After enduring a series of underwhelming performances in recent years, Fowler achieved his best result at a major since his remarkable runner-up finish at the 2018 Masters. Notably, he even set a U.S. Open record by carding an impressive 23 birdies over the course of four rounds at the challenging LACC, showcasing his exceptional golfing prowess.
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Missed Opportunities
Despite entering the final three rounds with a share of the lead and pairing up with the relatively untested Wyndham Clark on Sunday, Fowler’s dream of claiming his maiden major victory slipped through his grasp in his home state of Southern California. Although Fowler has previously played in the final group on three occasions, he has yet to secure a coveted major championship. Reflecting on the final round, Fowler acknowledged his struggles with his iron play, failing to convert crucial putts, and enduring a rather challenging Sunday.
Fighting Through Adversity
Throughout the final round, Fowler’s game seemed plagued by inconsistencies. His driver, irons, short game, and putter all betrayed him at different moments, hindering his chances of mounting a comeback. Despite facing adversity, Fowler maintained a resilient mindset, pushing himself to the limits. A particularly tough break occurred on the 12th hole when his drive found a hole in the rough, leading to a missed putt and a bogey, setting him back to 6 under. Despite this setback, Fowler persevered, setting a new birdie record for the U.S. Open with his 23rd birdie on the 14th hole. Though narrowly missing a 24th birdie opportunity on the 15th, Fowler remained hopeful, aware of the unpredictable nature of golf. However, he ultimately fell short, concluding his round with a final bogey on the 18th hole.
A Gracious Competitor
In a testament to his sportsmanship, Fowler graciously acknowledged Wyndham Clark’s triumph, embracing his playing partner and expressing that Clark’s late mother would be proud. While Fowler awaits his own opportunity to celebrate a major victory alongside his loved ones, his presence drew a legion of fans to LACC, just a stone’s throw from his hometown of Murrieta. Despite not yet securing a major championship, Fowler’s popularity remains unwavering, with his charismatic persona and willingness to engage with fans, as evidenced by his graciousness in signing autographs long after his rounds had concluded.
A Journey of Revitalization
Rickie Fowler’s performance at the U.S. Open signifies a remarkable journey of revitalization for the golfer who was once hailed as the future of the sport. Starting with a strong showing at Torrey Pines earlier this year, Fowler has consistently delivered, securing nine top-15 finishes in his last 12 tournaments, including three consecutive top-10 finishes. As he prepares for the upcoming Travelers Championship in Connecticut, Fowler exudes confidence in the positive direction of his game and remains grateful for the opportunities and progress he has experienced thus far.
