Anyone wondering or worried about the future of golf need look no further than Rickie Fowler to know that things are looking up. Not since Sergio Garcia has any young up-and-comer shown such natural ability and not since John Daly has any rookie so quickly captured the hearts of young golf fans.
Like Tiger Woods, Fowler's appeal extends far beyond the "usual" golf fan. He has the look, he has the panache, but unlike others before him, he also has the game to round out the package. Sure, there have been many other young guns with many of the same necessary ingredients at one time or another. Most went on to fizzle and none ever lived-up to lofty expectations. Anthony Kim, Justin Rose and Rickie Barnes come to mind. While they are all good golfers, none has ever given Tiger Woods much to worry about. But Fowler has something more - an intangible. Fowler has a level head and a steady demeanor that is impressive, especially in a game that rewards mental toughness and cold blood.
If Tiger Woods can credit much of his own success to his legendary mental toughness, then being able to play each stroke with consistency and focus is what will either make or break Fowler. When I asked Rickie Fowler (via Twitter) how he manages to keep it together on Sunday, especially when the pressure is very intense, he quickly responded: "I just remind myself that I've hit that shot a thousand times and it helps keep me in the moment." The simplicity of his answer and the common sense of the approach is an example of why this guy may soon become a premiere golfer on tour.
Moreover, Fowler may become one of the biggest money-making machines the PGA Tour has ever seen. As Fowler likes to say before he starts every round, "ITS GO TIME!" While Tiger Woods faltered, Rickie Fowler stealthily stepped into the spotlight and is now busy winning the hearts of young golf fans, who are eager for someone of their own generation to follow. The Puma gear, the cool hats over his long hair, and the aw-chucks attitude all help set him apart from the crowd and to make him a sponsor's dream. He is truly unique in golf, he stands out in several ways among a group often criticized for being clone-like. He represents what some hope will be the "next" generation of North American golfer.
Having said all that and perhaps best of all... Rickie Fowler is likable. Those who know him, like commentator Michael Collins, often speak of his excellent character, easy disposition and good nature. At a time when golf's super stars have sour faces and utter four letter words on camera, wouldn't it be great to have a star we can actually like!
The only thing left to do is light up the course, rack up the wins and stare down the current #1 player in the world. This is no small task, but if all golf fans hunger for something, it is a legitimate contender to take on Tiger Woods head to head, week after week. So far, only Vijay was able to do it for any length of time.
Of course, only time will tell if Rickie Fowler really can become golf's next big star. Golf is unkind to those who fall short, but something tells me that Rickie Fowler's star has plenty of shinning to do.
Like Tiger Woods, Fowler's appeal extends far beyond the "usual" golf fan. He has the look, he has the panache, but unlike others before him, he also has the game to round out the package. Sure, there have been many other young guns with many of the same necessary ingredients at one time or another. Most went on to fizzle and none ever lived-up to lofty expectations. Anthony Kim, Justin Rose and Rickie Barnes come to mind. While they are all good golfers, none has ever given Tiger Woods much to worry about. But Fowler has something more - an intangible. Fowler has a level head and a steady demeanor that is impressive, especially in a game that rewards mental toughness and cold blood.
If Tiger Woods can credit much of his own success to his legendary mental toughness, then being able to play each stroke with consistency and focus is what will either make or break Fowler. When I asked Rickie Fowler (via Twitter) how he manages to keep it together on Sunday, especially when the pressure is very intense, he quickly responded: "I just remind myself that I've hit that shot a thousand times and it helps keep me in the moment." The simplicity of his answer and the common sense of the approach is an example of why this guy may soon become a premiere golfer on tour.
Moreover, Fowler may become one of the biggest money-making machines the PGA Tour has ever seen. As Fowler likes to say before he starts every round, "ITS GO TIME!" While Tiger Woods faltered, Rickie Fowler stealthily stepped into the spotlight and is now busy winning the hearts of young golf fans, who are eager for someone of their own generation to follow. The Puma gear, the cool hats over his long hair, and the aw-chucks attitude all help set him apart from the crowd and to make him a sponsor's dream. He is truly unique in golf, he stands out in several ways among a group often criticized for being clone-like. He represents what some hope will be the "next" generation of North American golfer.
Having said all that and perhaps best of all... Rickie Fowler is likable. Those who know him, like commentator Michael Collins, often speak of his excellent character, easy disposition and good nature. At a time when golf's super stars have sour faces and utter four letter words on camera, wouldn't it be great to have a star we can actually like!
The only thing left to do is light up the course, rack up the wins and stare down the current #1 player in the world. This is no small task, but if all golf fans hunger for something, it is a legitimate contender to take on Tiger Woods head to head, week after week. So far, only Vijay was able to do it for any length of time.
Of course, only time will tell if Rickie Fowler really can become golf's next big star. Golf is unkind to those who fall short, but something tells me that Rickie Fowler's star has plenty of shinning to do.
Nice post. I'm a huge believer in Rickie Fowler. He has a certain intangible magic that... it he continues to play the kind of stellar golf he's shown he can play... will transcend the sport and ultimately possibly save it in the commercial sense. Because the thing is, he's sincerely nice too, and accessible. And people see that. I'm so wishing the best for him and his family.
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