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Rickie pays tribute to Payne

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As of this writing, Rickie Fowler is still warming up for his 8:13 a.m. tee time at Pinehurst No. 2, but he’s already making headlines.

Why you ask? Take a look at this photo tweeted by Pinehurst Resort.

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Fowler, a man known for his singular sartorial decisions and flamboyant attire, is paying tribute to another golfer with a similar reputation: the late, great Payne Stewart.

Stewart, of course, won the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst in what is widely regarded as one of the best U.S. Opens of all time. Clearly the man and his memory inspire the young Oklahoma State grad. As he tweeted prior to hitting the course:

Screen shot 2014-06-12 at 8.14.43 AM

Fowler tied for 10th at last year’s U.S. Open. Let’s hope the classy gesture sees him improving upon that finish this year.

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32 Comments

32 Comments

  1. KK

    Jun 16, 2014 at 7:07 pm

    Ball don’t lie– T2 and his best major finish ever. For my grammar Nazis, ball doesn’t lie. Maybe Payne is not displeased.

  2. Alex

    Jun 13, 2014 at 1:55 am

    Some of you guys are certified grinches. And that’s being generous.

  3. Rich

    Jun 12, 2014 at 10:01 pm

    Even Rickie Fowler has nay sayers? Amazing! Seems like the nicest guy. He gets masses of publicity whatever he’s wearing. Why would he do this as a publicity stunt? There’s no reason. Good work Rickie, I think it’s a cool idea. RIP Payne Stewart.

  4. Wade

    Jun 12, 2014 at 7:01 pm

    Gentlemen,
    With all due respect, though none seems due hear, I love it when someone displays there lack of knowledge for the world to see. You make judgements about Fowler’s character and motives, yet the only thing you know about him is what you read or see in a short blurb on tv. Mr. Fowler was just given an award by the Folds of Honor Foundation for his selfless efforts to support the men and women who serve in our armed forces. Especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. He has given so much of his time and resources to provide for the families of those soldiers that did not come home. If you only knew half the things he has done behind the scenes, I think you would be more than embarrassed by your fact-less judgements. I have spent quite a bit of time with him at the Patriot tournament every year on Memorial Day in Tulsa. This young man has so much character and sense of responsibility and gratitude. He gives freely of his time. He puts his money where his mouth is. The country would do well to have more 20 something’s just like him. Would love for my son to turn out just like him. Definite role model material here. Spend five minutes with him before you judge based on what you read online or see on tv. Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt! (Lincoln, Twain) Sorry, but makes my blood boil to see someone crucified for nothing.

    • RSinSG

      Jun 12, 2014 at 7:25 pm

      Well said. I think Ricky is one of the good guys. His Asian grandfather plays in my men’s leagues and we get to hear some of the family stories. Granted, they are from a proud grandpa but from all I see we could use more of him.

    • steve

      Jun 12, 2014 at 8:09 pm

      And that has nothing to do with the subject matter here. No one is judging his character, judging his motives. Two different things. Because he dresses for attention doesn’t make him a bad person. Sad that parents look for famous people to be role models for their kids. I will be my kids role model like my father and mother were to me.

      • Wade

        Jun 12, 2014 at 9:26 pm

        It has everything to do with his character. And I’m sure you are a great role model as am I. Do you think kids can only look up to one person? It’s not a bad thing to have more than one. Don’t be silly. Ricky’s motives are in question and that’s a character judgement. Now you are making judgements about my character when you most certainly don’t know me either. Obviously we should just agree to disagree and leave it at that my friend.

      • Me

        Jun 12, 2014 at 10:55 pm

        You might want do pull up you pants, your brains are showing. Motives are a formulated by character and this a direct result of character, the two are inseparable. To argue otherwise only highlights ones lack of vocabulary. I’ve got news for you, Payne was a very flashy dresser as well, well before he won anything. Why would you want to be your child’s only role model? Do you want them to be exactly like you? Your vanity will unfortuey limit your child’s growth as human being. I for one want my child to be an improvement over me. Also, just because you think you are your kids role model, doesn’t make it so.

        • steve

          Jun 13, 2014 at 6:50 pm

          Is it character formulated by motives or motives formulated by character? Let me know. Either way thanks for the interest and for following.

          Enjoy Ricki and the golf.

  5. steve

    Jun 12, 2014 at 5:58 pm

    Do really think it was about Payne Stewart? He didn’t even know the guy. Wasn’t he into dirt biking when he was very young then got into golf in his teen years. Payne died when he was eleven. Get attention with your game and not your clothes already. I love the guy that compares Ricki and Payne, who ever compared them to each other. I love when someone makes a point and then it gets twisted

    • Alex

      Jun 13, 2014 at 1:59 am

      I guess I couldn’t pay homage to Bobby Jones, or consider him a favorite because I wasn’t playing golf when he was?

      Think about what you’re saying before you say it, please.

    • cheesehead42

      Jun 13, 2014 at 9:00 am

      So all of the years growing, I wore Micheal Jordan’s shoes, played Tiger’s clubs, and used the same baseball glove as Ken Griffey Jr.

      Apparently I was wrong for being inspired by them because I didn’t personally know them? Crap, all those years down the drain.

    • bradford

      Jun 19, 2014 at 7:27 am

      So, you knew Payne?

  6. Tom Stickney

    Jun 12, 2014 at 5:22 pm

    I do miss Payne…cool deal.

  7. William

    Jun 12, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    Someone once posted that Ricky is the male Natalie Gulbis. Lots of flash, not so much game. To pull off the Payne Stewart gig, he needs more game to back it up.

    • Steve

      Jun 12, 2014 at 4:07 pm

      I played against Natalie in high school and my cousin played against Richie in Stockton. I would say that this statement is completely off…Richie is twice the golfer Natalie is on her best day.

    • Me

      Jun 12, 2014 at 4:40 pm

      Considering that Payne couldn’t get a playing card his first try, and Ricki did, and that Payne had to play a few years on the Asian tour, while Ricki is playing in the big show from the get go. And that Payne took nine professional years to win a major, I think ricki is more than holding his own. Payne should be honored that young golfers even know who he is. Honestly, if he hadn’t died he would have been just another 2nd tier golfer, with a few majors, in the Tiger era.

  8. snapjack

    Jun 12, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    Looks like he’s putting with a model airplane but I like the duds!

    • robert

      Jun 12, 2014 at 2:07 pm

      Fowler is a walking billboard who has made 100 times as much money plugging corporate sponsors as he has playing. Even in the post round interview he’s standing there with a Red Bull in his hand,label facing camera. Please. None of this is unintentional, the guy knows exactly what he’s doing even if most people haven’t a clue. The Media sells his image to young kids not because he is a terrific golfer but because he has hip appeal and they are desperately scouring the field as Tiger and Phil age.

      • JJ

        Jun 12, 2014 at 2:23 pm

        None of what you stated has anything to do with paying homage to Payne. I didn’t see any Puma logos on his pants or socks. Keep your negativity at home, just because Ricky has a Red Bull, logo out, on his post round interview, doesn’t have anything to do with this outfit. I guess you should get mad at Phil for plugging KPMG on the front of his hat, or any other player with a brand on their gear. It’s ALL Marketing, moron, not just Ricky, and almost all of them make incrementally more amounts off course then on.

      • Jason

        Jun 12, 2014 at 3:07 pm

        You know MOST golfers make the majority of their money off the course right?

        Tiger made $83M in 2013 – $8.5M was from tournament earnings.

    • Painter33

      Jun 13, 2014 at 9:33 am

      He needs to complete the look – real leather shoes with gold toe guards. Payne was class personified. Both seem(ed) like decent guys who was/is universally liked on tour.

  9. ABgolfer2

    Jun 12, 2014 at 11:27 am

    He could have worn a different hat though.

    • Philip

      Jun 12, 2014 at 12:43 pm

      Yes and no, paying homage doesn’t mean copying – he’s honoring Payne while still being himself.

  10. RI_Redneck

    Jun 12, 2014 at 10:44 am

    Lookin’ good!!!

  11. perisho

    Jun 12, 2014 at 10:20 am

    Ha. That’s cool.

  12. JJ

    Jun 12, 2014 at 10:10 am

    Awesome that Ricky paid homage in this manner. I was expecting someone in contention on the weekend to surprise everyone by pulling it off (Horschel maybe?) but still a great gesture nonetheless.

    Class act Rick, well played.

    • Tom

      Jun 12, 2014 at 7:46 pm

      Your comment and kind heart will serve you well in life.

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News

Morning 9: 58 on the Korn Ferry Tour | Rory on possible return to policy board

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Friday morning, golf fans, may a bountiful weekend of golf be in store for you!

1. 58 on the Korn Ferry Tour

KFT staff report…”Frankie Capan III went crazy low Thursday on the Korn Ferry Tour. Nearly in record fashion.”

  • “Capan carded 13-under 58 in the opening round of the Veritex Bank Championship, matching the second lowest score in Korn Ferry Tour history. He fell one shy of Cristobal Del Solar’s record 57, set at the Astara Golf Championship presented by Mastercard earlier this year, but it was a heck of a show nonetheless.”
  • “The Minnesota native played an eight-hole stretch in 9-under Thursday, following an eagle at the par-5 ninth with seven straight birdies to begin the back nine at par-71 Texas Rangers Golf Club. He “cooled off” with a two-putt par at the long par-4 17th hole. He arrived at the par-5 18th hole at 13 under for the round, but he found a fairway bunker off the tee, laid up to 134 yards and missed his third shot left of the green. He chipped to 7 feet and drained the par putt to match the Korn Ferry Tour’s second-lowest score of 58, carded by Stephan Jaeger in the opening round of the 2016 Ellie Mae Classic at TPC Stonebrae.”
Full piece.

2. Team McIlowery starts strong

Paul Hodowanic for PGATour.com…”Late Thursday afternoon in New Orleans, Rory McIlroy rested his head on Shane Lowry’s shoulder.”

  • “It wasn’t the typical post-round moment, but this isn’t the typical event. McIlroy and Lowry teamed up for this week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the PGA TOUR’s lone team event, and the all-Irish duo put on a show. Sporting matching pink-on-navy getups, McIlroy/Lowry opened in a best-ball 11-under 61 in Thursday’s Four-ball format at TPC Louisiana.”
  • “This partnership might have stemmed from a boozy brunch last fall, but their opening-round performance at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans gave the field a sobering reminder: They’ll be tough to top.”
Full piece.

3. LPGA Tour: Grace Kim in front

AP report…”Grace Kim shot a 7-under 64 at Wilshire Country Club to take the first-round lead Thursday in the LPGA Tour’s JM Eagle LA Championship.”

  • “Playing in the morning session, the 23-year-old Australian capped her bogey-free round with a chip-in birdie on the par-3 18th.”
  • “Well, I chunked my tee shot on the last hole 20 meters short and then I chipped it in it,” Kim said. “I think that’s pretty cool, in front of everyone
Full piece.

4. McIlroy on rejoining policy board

Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…”Rory McIlroy said Wednesday that he is willing to rejoin the PGA Tour policy board if the other player directors want him.”

  • “As first reported by the Guardian, Webb Simpson has submitted a letter stating that he’d like to resign from the board, but only if his vacant seat is filled by McIlroy, who stepped down last fall because of the toll it had taken on him professionally and personally.”
  • “Five months later, what has changed?”
  • “I think I can be helpful,” McIlroy said Wednesday ahead of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he is partnering with Shane Lowry. “I don’t think there’s been much progress made in the last eight months, and I was hopeful that there would be. I think I could be helpful to the process. But only if people want me involved, I guess.”
Full piece.

5. Charlie Woods shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier

Golfweek’s Cameron Jourdan…”Charlie Woods is going to have to wait to play in the U.S. Open.”

“The 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods played Thursday in local qualifying for the United States Golf Association’s national championship, set for June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina. Charlie played at The Legacy Golf & Tennis Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and he shot 9-over 81.”

“Charlie’s round featured a bogey on his opening hole, the par-4 first. He then doubled the par-5 second. A pair of pars followed before his lone birdie on the front, but another double the next hole, the par-4 sixth, had him turn in 4-over 40.”

Full piece.

6. Photos from the Zurich Classic

GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.

Check out all our photos at the link below!

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

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GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.

As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.

Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

See what GolfWRXers are saying about our photos from the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in the forums.

 

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Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Tuesday morning, golf fans, as the PGA Tour heads to New Orleans for the Zurich Classic.

1. 15-year-old finishes top 20 on KFT

Jay Coffin for Golf Digest…”During a week when most eyes were on Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda, the 15-year-old lefty finished off an incredible week with a five-under 66 in the final round of the Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood Ranch in Florida.”

  • “After opening with 68-66-70, Russell finished at 14-under-par total to tie for 20th place. The finish in which he jumped 28 positions on the leaderboard on the final day, gives him an exemption into next week’s Veritex Bank Championship at Rangers Park in Arlington, Texas. He’s the youngest player to finish inside the top 20 on the PGA of Korn Ferry tours, according to records that go back to 1983.”
Full piece.

2. Understandably, Nelly WDs

Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…”Nelly Korda’s bid for a record-setting sixth consecutive win will have to wait a few weeks.”

  • “A day after capturing the Chevron Championship during a marathon final round in Houston, Korda announced on social media that she was withdrawing from this week’s JM Eagle LA Championship.”
  • “It was not an easy decision,” she wrote. “After the unbelievable week at the Chevron and grinding through the mental and physical challenges of four events in the past five weeks, I am definitely feeling exhausted. With so much still to come throughout 2024, I feel I need to listen to my body and get some rest, so I can be ready for the remainder of the season.”
Full piece.

3. Scheffler’s impressive No. 1 feat

Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine…”After Scheffler’s victory Monday morning at the RBC Heritage, Scheffler upped his points average to 15.016 and increased his advantage in the Official World Golf Ranking over No. 2 Rory McIlroy to more than double McIlroy’s 7.365 average, meaning Scheffler is ranked further ahead of No. 2 than No. 2 is ahead of the last-ranked player.”

  • “The last time a No. 1 player had a greater points average was Woods, who was at 15.4564 on Dec. 6, 2009. But Woods was less than seven average points ahead of No. 2 Phil Mickelson at the time. Earlier that year, Woods was 7.735 ahead of Mickelson, which is the last time the gap between Nos. 1 and 2 was greater than Scheffler’s current 7.651 advantage.”
Full piece.

4. Zurich field notes

PGATour.com’s Adam Stanley…”Rory McIlroy will make his tournament debut alongside good pal, Ryder Cup teammate, and Irishman Shane Lowry – a duo that was firmed up during a celebratory lunch after the Ryder Cup last fall… Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele will try to reprise their 2022 win here. Cantlay and Schauffele have both the Foursomes and Four-ball scoring records at this event… Davis Riley and Nick Hardy will defend their 2023 title. No team has gone back-to-back… Three sets of brothers (and two sets of twins!) will play together with twins Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard and Parker and Pierceson Coody in the field along with Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick. Alex Fitzpatrick and Rasmus Højgaard are sponsor invites…”

  • “Billy Horschel, who won last week at the Corales Puntacana Championship, will be without his previous partner Sam Burns, as Burns and his wife are expecting their first child any day. Horschel will instead be paired with fellow University of Florida alum Tyson Alexander. Horschel has won the Zurich Classic when it was both an individual and team event… Other notable pairings include Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama, Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris, and Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin. The Canadian duo finished runner-up a year ago and would like nothing more than to show Presidents Cup International Team captain Mike Weir how well they play together… Steve Stricker will play his second TOUR event this season (after earning his way into THE PLAYERS Championship), teaming up with Matt Kuchar.”
Full piece.

5. Tiger’s teammates

Field Level Media report…”Tiger Woods announced Monday that Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner have joined his Jupiter Links GC TGL team.”

  • “The virtual golf league headed by Woods and Rory McIlroy will begin its inaugural season next January. Woods also unveiled the team’s logo.”
  • “I have already shared my excitement and optimism for TGL as a league and product,” said Woods. “Now that we have finalized our roster with a team of world-class golfers, I am even more confident that this group will proudly represent the Jupiter (Fla.) area and connect with our fans for years to come.”
Full piece.

6. Woosnam questions Cantlay’s decision

Our Matt Vincenzi…”After the horn sounded to suspend play due to darkness, Cantlay, who’s ball was in the fairway on the 18th hole, had a decision to make. With over 200 yards into the green and extreme winds working against the shot, conventional wisdom would be to wait until Monday morning to hit the shot.”

  • “On the other hand, if he could finish the hole, he may just want to get the event over with so he could get out of Hilton Head.”
  • “Curiously, Cantlay chose neither of those options. After hitting 3-wood into the green, and still coming up short, the former FedEx Cup champion chose to mark his ball and chip and putt on Monday morning.”
  • “Ian Woosnam, who was watching from home, took to X to give his thoughts on Cantlay’s decision making.”
  • “Cantlay would end up getting up and down for par when play resumed at 8:00 am Monday morning.”
Full piece.

7. JT on Scheffler’s “weird” equipment choice

Our Matt Vincenzi…”After Justin Thomas’ third round of the RBC Heritage, the two-time major champion went in the broadcast booth alongside the CBS crew.”

  • “While Thomas was watching Scottie Scheffler play on the back nine of his third round, he wondered aloud why Scottie uses high-numbered golf balls.”
  • “Does anybody else think it’s weird that Scottie uses high numbers? I don’t know if I’ve ever seen an elite player use high-numbered golf balls.”
  • “Amanda Balionis who was on the grounds chimed in, reporting that analyst Dottie Pepper had wondered the same thing earlier that day.”
  • “I’ve been going about this wrong my whole life,” Thomas jokingly said.
Full piece.

8. Rory to rejoin PGA Tour policy board

Mark Schlabach for ESPN…”Four-time major championship winner Rory McIlroy is poised to return to the PGA Tour’s policy board, pending a vote by the board, which could come as early as this week, sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.”

  • “One of the PGA Tour’s most vocal supporters during its three-year battle with LIV Golf, McIlroy abruptly resigned as a player director on the tour’s influential policy board in November.”
  • “He is expected to replace policy board player director Webb Simpson, who intends to step away before his two-year term expires in 2025.”
Full piece.

9. Weir names Presidents Cup assistants

PGA Tour report…”International Team Captain Mike Weir announced Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman, Geoff Ogilvy and Camilo Villegas as captain’s assistants for the 2024 Presidents Cup, which will be played at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Canada, Sept. 24-29.

Full piece.
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