Rickie Fowler’s comeback season and rise to No. 26 in the Official World Golf Ranking has been well documented — 23 cuts made in 25 starts on the PGA Tour in the 2022-23 season, 18 top 25s, eight top 10s, a sixth career Tour title at the Rocket Mortgage Classic and nearly $8 million in earnings. It’s been capped off by a captain’s pick to represent Team USA in the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome, Italy, when the American side tries to retain the Cup (Sept. 29-Oct. 1) and end a 30-year-losing streak playing on foreign soil.
Fowler, 34, took time to discuss what it means to be back on the 12-man U.S. squad for the fifth time, why he embraces playing on the road, and the importance of putting in his return to prominence.
GWK: What has your experience been like playing on the road at the Ryder Cup?
Stewart Cink, Jeff Overton, Rickie Fowler, captain Corey Pavin, Zach Johnson and Hunter Mahan pose with the American flag at the Ryder Cup.
RF: “It’s some of my favorite memories. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great playing at home but the atmosphere is kind of cool and different playing in someone else’s arena. We still have plenty of support over there. The fans in Europe – not that our fans don’t – do a good job of supporting good golf. It can get a little one-sided in the U.S. They are a bit more respectful over there. Playing on the road, it’s a fun challenge. I’m going to tell the guys you’ve got to look forward to it and it’s fun to be able to silence the crowd and shut them up in a way. It’s a unique experience and you’ve got to embrace it.”
GWK: You've been on the losing end before. What's the worst part about coming up short?
Rickie Fowler drinks champagne during the closing ceremony of the Ryder Cup Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
RF: “Sunday nights are a lot more fun celebrating a win. They are a great time win or lose because they tend to be a celebration regardless that you made it there and we’re all together and it’s been a great week, but the difference in having the Cup and celebrating the win is what it’s all about.”
GWK: Who do you think you would pair well with at the Ryder Cup in Rome?
Rickie Fowler and Max Homa walk on the 10th hole during Day Three of the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club on July 15, 2023. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
RF: “I think I can pair with just about anyone. I play a lot with Patrick Cantlay at home. He and Xander are a token pairing, but maybe if they sit him for a session. I’d love to play with [Brian] Harman. I’ve always loved his game and respected what he’s accomplished. We go back to junior golf. Max [Homa] is someone that is easy to pair with. He just hits it straight and makes putts. But overall, I feel like I can go out and mesh with just about anyone.”
GWK: What has it been like to miss the Ryder Cup since 2018 and Presidents Cup since 2019?
Rickie Fowler displays his new haircut ahead of the Ryder Cup in Gleneagles, Scotland, Monday, Sept. 22, 2014. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
RF: “All the teams that I missed I shouldn’t have been on. It wasn’t like I was pissed that I didn’t make it. You’re obviously bummed not to be there but I keep up with it. I don’t arrange my day around it but I watched a little bit. I enjoy watching even though I’d much rather be there competing.”
GWK: Where did you experience the greatest improvement in your game?
Rickie Fowler looks at his notebook on the 14th fairway during a practice round at the 2010 Ryder Cup in Newport, Wales, Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010.
RF: “I haven’t looked in detail but I think I improved across the board. Nothing stayed where it was, everything got better.”
“Putting certainly was one of the things that held me back. In the past, even if I struggled with my ball striking, I could lean on my putter and it would save rounds. Making more putts keeps the momentum going and that’s been a lot more how I could manage this season, the bad weeks, and turn them into at least decent finishes. It shows how much putting can do to free up the rest of the game.”
GWK: Where does this season rank for you?
Rickie Fowler poses with the trophy after winning the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club. (Photo: Junfu Han/Detroit Free Press)
RF: “Right near the top. I’ve only had one season where I’ve won multiple times. 2015 was great with the Players win, and then 2014 with the top-5s at all the majors. This one means a lot given that the last few years I hadn’t done really anything.”
