Opinion & Analysis
Why disliking Rickie Fowler as a person needs to stop
As two 25-year-olds marched up Royal Liverpool’s 18th fairway Sunday—names firmly planted atop the leaderboard and unhassled by the cornerstone player of this generation, who had long ago vacated the course’s premises—the story of the youngsters usurping the scene from the old guard seemed too tasty to pass up.
And boy did the assembled scribes ever leap at that opportunity. Time to start construction on the headstone. Tiger Woods Era: 1997-2014.
Rory McIlroy, the boy prince from the British Isles, closed out his third major championship walking up to that final green, a feat that earned him high and deserved accord for a man who is but 25 (and, importantly, not 26).
His counterpart in the action was Rickie Fowler, the hope on the other side of the Atlantic. He shares the same age as McIlroy, a similar modicum of talent and, on this day, the praises of the press.
Even if it wasn’t a victory, which Fowler has thus far been short on, the result was further confirmation that the 25-year-old was on the right track. This was his third top-five in three majors in 2014, and his second consecutive T2, which boded well for his future prospects.
For the core of golfing fans and reporters, this served as another sign that Fowler’s on-course production in future years will be insanely profitable. Many are convinced the wall to his first major championship falls quite soon, maybe even in a month at Valhalla.
These proclamations are nothing out of the ordinary. We tend to overreact to even the whiff of a new star’s emergence.
But when it comes to Rickie Fowler, this is shocking. It amounts to a total reversal in how the public views Fowler and his prospects.
Fans and media alike have long skewered this American golfing son for his deficiencies in on-course production. Ever since Fowler turned pro in 2009, he has been plucked into the expectation category of one of the game’s next superstars. While grand, in the ever increasing impatience of sporting society, instant banking on potential is expected, and falling behind, no matter how small the measure, is fiercely documented as a failure.
OK, maybe that’s a bit of an overstatement, right? We at least give these players a year or two of leeway to develop before we judge.
Except that is not the case. At all.
People are already worried about Jordan Spieth’s ability to close tournaments, even as he remains below the legal age to drink alcohol in the United States. And with Fowler, they’ve been even harsher.
Fowler did something quite impressive in his first 16 months as a pro. He lost in a playoff in his second PGA Tour start, captured his card in Q-School and posted seven top-10s and two runner-up finishes in an opening campaign that netted him PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors.
Yet, the successes weren’t the focus. Rather, the most important development, in the eyes of the public, proved to be the fact that Fowler laid up from the fairway on a par-5 late in an event where he was near the lead. The conservative play aided him in falling short of his maiden title.
Criticism also abounded about Fowler’s Rookie of the Year credentials. Sure, seven top-10s and nearly $3 million in earnings was nice, but he had no victories for the year. McIlroy did have a win, as well as top-three finishes in multiple majors, making him the better candidate for the award, so they argued.
But this was only the tip of the iceberg.
Considering what has transpired since, Fowler may look fondly on the comparatively muted criticism he received through 2010. In the following years, the press hounding has been significant and brutal, but it’s the fan interaction that is the real issue.
It’s enough to criticize a player and want him to do better. Maybe the salty reviews of his golfing performance are a bit over the top, but they aren’t entirely unfair.
With Fowler though, a sizable portion of golfing viewers genuinely dislike him as a person. And that, I just don’t get.
Before I go on, let’s be clear. Rickie Fowler is in no way universally disliked or even disliked by the majority. For the significant portion of viewers who have some personal animosity toward Fowler, there’s an infinitely larger portion that adores the man. That being said, the “haters” exist and they aren’t quiet.
The fan ire has drawn from two sources. First, there’s Fowler’s marketing arm. From the beginning of his professional tenure, Fowler proved insanely successful in trumpeting his star power and ringing in high-quality endorsements. While instrumental to his financial security, it has rubbed others the wrong way.
To outsiders, Fowler’s diligence in developing his commercial persona, not to mention his unique and outlandish fashion choices, is greater than the work he puts in his golf game. In simpler and more cliched terms, he is “style over substance.”
And this leads into the second source of discord: Fowler is a vast underachiever of his potential. In the American sporting arena, fans will mostly tolerate a player’s personal shortcomings as long as they don’t negatively alter their game performance. When the correlation between lack of effort and poor performance appears real though, that’s when the collective fan hood pounces. Actually, poor performance itself garners hostile feelings, regardless of a player’s work ethic.
Whatever the case, Fowler’s underachieving game and perceived overratedness on the course does nothing but aid the large chorus of golfing fans who have chosen to personally dislike the 25-year-old.
But is any of this really fair? What exactly makes these reasons to hate Rickie Fowler?
So, he’s a great marketer. Shouldn’t we applaud his ability to sell himself as a commodity? Isn’t that what’s in vogue nowadays?
Yes the clothes are flashy and look, uhh…let’s just say creepy on middle-aged men. But are we going to fault a guy for his unique fashion sense? Especially when he can take a joke about it?
Underachievement is an even more fallow reason to sully a player’s character. He is following short of our expectations, not marks that he set. Certainly the marketing machine Fowler has largely enabled added to these large projections of future success, but much was going to be anticipated of the Oklahoma State grad regardless of whether he signed on the dotted line for corporate sponsors.
Being overrated is not necessarily a character flaw. Injuries, bad luck, a misinterpretation of talent, etc. get in the way a lot more here than a poor work ethic.
Honestly it’s quite perplexing as to why Fowler is characterized as a villain among a sizable portion of golf’s fan base. And it needs to be halted in its tracks.
Not only are the reasons for disliking him shallow, but the arguments in his favor are numerous and strong.
To start, and this is a heck of a way to kick off, the perception that Fowler cares more about his clothes or his ability to secure sponsors is dead wrong. Not even a hint of truth there.
In fact, Fowler has a reputation for working on his game as much as a potential superstar should. And no matter the talent, you don’t have those first 16 months as a pro scurrying around with your sponsors and fashion choices 24/7.
Fowler’s move to Butch Harmon last year further confirmed his commitment to his on-course record. As Harmon himself relayed, Fowler told him outright, “I want to be known for more than my clothes and my hat. I want to be known for my game. Can you help me?”
More than motivation though, Fowler is one of the sweethearts of the PGA Tour. Jim “Bones” Mackay compared the 25-year-old to Steve Stricker for his ability to be universally liked by those on Tour. In Golf Digest’s comprehensive rankings of the nicest players on the PGA Tour–compiled by receiving input from the full array of sources involved with Tour events–Fowler finished T3 among the populace (Stricker placed first for the record).
And he’s a dedicated warrior to those who stake the most in his play: the fans. If there were a ranking on that front, he might finish second behind Phil Mickelson. He’s never afraid to sign autographs and is observed to possibly be the best among Tour players when it comes to his work at clinics.
He also goes the extra mile for sponsors, which helps explain why he so easily acquires them.
Really, if Fowler won more, you could legitimately theorize that he was a Tim Finchem lab creation. The gripes against Fowler’s character are so nonexistent, a P.I. couldn’t dig anything up. (Not even Dick Fowler. Sorry, we had to.)
With that, it’s time to move from this personal animosity toward Fowler. Doubt his playing record all you want–although I would tread more lightly in that area at the moment–it just doesn’t make sense to chastise his personality.
The press is on Fowler’s side for his on-course accolades following an extraordinary year in the majors, when he made it clear at the beginning of the year that this was his exact goal.
But if Fowler regresses, the assembled writers won’t have his back for long. The aftermath of Fowler’s lone PGA Tour victory proves as much.
Criticism for his golf will ebb and flow. The rap of him as a person doesn’t have to.
Rickie’s one of the best examples of the attitude people want young Tour stars to have. It’s about time everybody treats him as such.
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19th Hole
Vincenzi’s 2024 PGA Championship betting preview: Rising star ready to join the immortals at Valhalla
The second major of the 2024 season is upon us as the world’s best players will tee it up this week at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky to compete for the Wanamaker Trophy.
The last time we saw Valhalla host a major championship, Rory McIlroy fended off Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson, Rickie Fowler and the creeping darkness that was descending upon the golf course. The Northern Irishman had the golf world in the palm of his hand, joining only Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as players who’d won four major championships by the time they were 25 years old.
Valhalla is named after the great hall described in Norse mythology where the souls of Vikings feasted and celebrated with the Gods. The course is a Jack Nicklaus-design that has ranked among Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Courses” for three decades.
Valhalla Golf Club is a par-71 measuring 7,542 yards with Zoysia fairways and Bentgrass greens. The course has rolling hills and dangerous streams scattered throughout and the signature 13th hole is picturesque with limestone and unique bunkering protecting the green. The 2024 PGA Championship will mark the fourth time Valhalla has hosted the event.
The field this week will consist of 156 players, including 16 PGA Champions and 33 Major Champions.
Past Winners of the PGA Championship
- 2023: Brooks Koepka (-9) Oak Hill
- 2022: Justin Thomas (-5) Southern Hills
- 2021: Phil Mickelson (-6) Kiawah Island
- 2020: Collin Morikawa (-13) TPC Harding Park
- 2019: Brooks Koepka (-8) Bethpage Black
- 2018: Brooks Koepka (-16) Bellerive
- 2017: Justin Thomas (-8) Quail Hollow
- 2016: Jimmy Walker (-14) Baltusrol
- 2015: Jason Day (-20) Whistling Straits
- 2014: Rory McIlroy (-16) Valhalla
In this article and going forward, I’ll be using the Rabbit Hole by Betsperts Golf data engine to develop my custom model. If you want to build your own model or check out all of the detailed stats, you can sign up using promo code: MATTVIN for 25% off any subscription package (yearly is best value).
Key Stats For Valhalla
Let’s take a look at five key metrics for Oak Hill to determine which golfers boast top marks in each category over their past 24 rounds.
1. Strokes Gained: Approach
Valhalla will play as a true all-around test of golf for the world’s best. Of course, it will take strong approach play to win a major championship.
Strokes Gained: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds
- Shane Lowry (+1.25)
- Scottie Scheffler (+1.09)
- Jordan Smith (+1.05)
- Tom Hoge (+.96)
- Corey Conners (+.94)
2. Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
Valhalla will play long and the rough will be penal. Players who are incredibly short off the tee and/or have a hard time hitting fairways will be all but eliminated from contention this week at the PGA Championship.
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee Over Past 24 Rounds:
- Bryson DeChambeau (+1.47)
- Scottie Scheffler (+1.11)
- Keith Mitchell (+.90)
- Alejandro Tosti (+.89)
- Ludvig Aberg (+.82)
Strokes Gained: Total on Nickalus Designs
Valhalla is a classic Nicklaus Design. Players who play well at Nicklaus designs should have an advantage coming into this major championship.
Strokes Gained: Total on Nicklaus Designs over past 36 rounds:
- Jon Rahm (+2.56)
- Scottie Scheffler (+2.48)
- Patrick Cantlay (+2.35)
- Collin Morikawa (+1.79)
- Shane Lowry (+1.57)
Strokes Gained: Tee to Green on Very Long Courses
Valhalla is going to play extremely long this week. Players who have had success playing very long golf courses should be better equipped to handle the conditions of this major championship.
Strokes Gained: Total on Very Long Courses Over Past 24 Rounds:
- Scottie Scheffler (+2.44)
- Rory McIlroy (+2.24)
- Will Zalatoris (+1.78)
- Viktor Hovland (+1.69)
- Xander Schauffele (+1.60)
Strokes Gained: Total in Major Championships
One factor that tends to play a large role in deciding major championships is which players have played well in previous majors leading up to the event.
Strokes Gained: Total in Major Championships over past 20 rounds:
- Scottie Scheffler (+3.14)
- Will Zalatoris (+2.64)
- Rory McIlroy (+2.49)
- Xander Schauffele (+2.48)
- Tommy Fleetwood (2.09)
Strokes Gained: Putting on Bentgrass Greens
Valhalla features pure Bentgrass putting surfaces. Players who are comfortable putting on this surface will have an advantage on the greens.
Strokes Gained: Putting on Bentgrass Greens over Past 24 Rounds:
- Ludvig Aberg (+1.12)
- Denny McCarthy (+1.08)
- Matt Fitzpatrick (+0.99)
- Justin Rose (+0.93)
- J.T. Poston (0.87)
Strokes Gained: Total on Zoysia Fairways
Valhalla features Zoysia fairways. Players who are comfortable playing on this surface will have an advantage on the field.
Strokes Gained: Total on Zoysia Fairways over past 36 rounds:
- Justin Thomas (+1.53)
- Will Zalatoris (+1.47)
- Xander Schauffele (+1.40)
- Brooks Koepka (+1.35)
- Rory McIlroy (+1.23)
2024 PGA Championship Model Rankings
Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (25%), SG: Off the Tee (22%), SG: T2G on Very Long Courses (12%), SG: Putting on Bentgrass (+12%), SG: Total on Nicklaus Designs (12%). SG: Total on Zoysia Fairways (8%), and SG: Total in Major Championships (8%).
- Brooks Koepka
- Xander Schauffele
- Rory McIlroy
- Scottie Scheffler
- Bryson DeChambeau
- Shane Lowry
- Alex Noren
- Will Zalatoris
- Cameron Young
- Keith Mitchell
- Hideki Matsuyama
- Billy Horschel
- Patrick Cantlay
- Viktor Hovland
- Adam Schenk
- Chris Kirk
- Sahith Theegala
- Min Woo Lee
- Joaquin Niemann
- Justin Thomas
2024 PGA Championship Picks
Ludvig Aberg +1800 (BetMGM)
At The Masters, Ludvig Aberg announced to the golf world that he’s no longer an “up and coming” player. He’s one of the best players in the game of golf, regardless of experience.
Augusta National gave Aberg some necessary scar tissue and showed him what being in contention at a major championship felt like down the stretch. Unsurprisingly, he made a costly mistake, hitting it in the water left of the 11th hole, but showed his resilience by immediately bouncing back. He went on to birdie two of his next three holes and finished in solo second by three shots. With the type of demeanor that remains cool in pressure situations, I believe Ludvig has the right mental game to win a major at this point in his career.
Aberg has not finished outside of the top-25 in his past eight starts, which includes two runner-up finishes at both a “Signature Event” and a major championship. The 24-year-old is absolutely dominant with his driver, which will give him a major advantage this week. In the field he ranks, in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee, and has gained strokes in the category in each of his past ten starts. Aberg is already one of the best drivers of the golf ball on the planet.
In Norse mythology, Valhalla is the great hall where the souls of Vikings feasted and celebrated with the Gods. The Swedes, who are of Old Norse origin, were the last of the three Scandinavian Kingdoms to abandon the Old Norse Gods. A Swede played a major role in the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla, and I believe another, Ludvig Aberg, will be the one to conquer Valhalla in 2024.
Bryson DeChambeau +2800 (BetMGM)
Bryson DeChambeau is one of the few players in the world that I believe has the game to go blow-for-blow with Scottie Scheffler. Although he isn’t as consistent as Scheffler, when he’s at his best, Bryson has the talent to beat him.
At The Masters, DeChambeau put forth a valiant effort at a golf course that simply does not suit his game. Valhalla, on the other hand, is a course that should be perfect for the 30-year-old. His ability to overpower a golf course with his driver will be a serious weapon this week.
Bryson has had some success at Jack Nicklaus designs throughout his career as he won the Memorial at Muirfield Village back in 2018. He’s also had incredible results on Bentgrass greens for the entirety of his professional career. Of his 10 wins, nine of them have come on Bentgrass greens, with the only exception being the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. He also has second place finishes at Medinah and TPC Summerlin, which feature Bentgrass greens.
Love him or hate him, it’s impossible to argue that Bryson isn’t one of the most exciting and important players in the game of golf. He’s also one of the best players in the world. A second major is coming soon for DeChambeau, and I believe he should be amongst the favorites to hoist the Wanamaker Trophy this week.
Patrick Cantlay +4000 (FanDuel)
There’s no way of getting around it: Patrick Cantlay has been dissapointing in major championships throughout his professional career. He’s been one of the top players on Tour for a handful of years and has yet to truly contend at a major championship, with the arguable exception of the 2019 Masters.
Despite not winning majors, Cantlay has won some big events. The 32-year-old has won two BMW Championships, two Memorial Tournaments as well as a Tour Championship. His victories at Memorial indicate how much Cantlay loves Nicklaus designs, where he ranks 3rd in the field in Strokes Gained: Total over his past 36 rounds behind only Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm.
Cantlay also loves Bentgrass greens. Six of Cantlay’s seven individual wins on the PGA Tour have come on Bentgrass greens and he also was one of the best putters at the 2023 Ryder cup at Marco Simone (also Bentgrass). At Caves Valley (2021 BMW Championship), he gained over 12 strokes putting to outduel another Bentgrass specialist, Bryson DeChambeau.
Cantlay finished 22nd in The Masters, which was a solid result considering how many elite players struggled that week. He also has two top-ten finishes in his past five PGA Championships. He’s undeniably one of the best players in the field, therefore, it comes down to believing Cantlay has the mental fortitude to win a major, which I do.
Joaquin Niemann +4000 (BetMGM)
I believe Joaquin Niemann is one of the best players in the world. He has three worldwide wins since December and has continued to improve over the course of his impressive career thus far. Still only 25, the Chilean has all the tools to be a serious contender in major championships for years to come.
Niemann has been the best player on LIV this season. Plenty will argue with the format or source of the money on LIV, but no one can argue that beating players such as Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Cameron Smith is an unremarkable achievement. Niemann is an elite driver of the golf ball who hits it farther than just about anyone in the field not named Bryson DeChambeau or (arguably) Rory McIlroy.
Niemann is another player who has been fantastic throughout his career on Bentgrass greens. Prior to leaving the PGA Tour, Bentgrass was the only green surface in which Joaco was a positive putter. It’s clearly a surface that he is very comfortable putting on and should fare around and on the greens this week.
Niemann is a perfect fit for Valhalla. His low and penetrating ball flight will get him plenty of runout this week on the fairways and he should have shorter shots into the green complexes than his competitors. To this point in his career, the former top ranked amateur in the world (2018) has been underwhelming in major championships, but I don’t believe that will last much longer. Joaquin Niemann is a major championship caliber player and has a real chance to contend this week at Valhalla.
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In my last post, I explained the basic performance dynamics of “smash factor” and “gear effect” as they apply to your wedges and your wedge play success. If you missed that post, you can read it here.
At the end of that post, I promised “part 2” of this discussion of what makes a wedge work the way it does. So, let’s dive into the other two components of any wedge – the shaft and the grip.
It’s long been said that the shaft is “the engine of the golf club.” The shaft (and grip) are your only connection to all the technologies that are packed into the head of any golf club, whether it be a driver, fairway, hybrid, iron, wedge or even putter.
And you cannot ignore those two components of your wedges if your goal is optimizing your performance.
I’ve long been an advocate of what I call a “seamless transition” from your irons into your wedges, so that the feel and performance do not disconnect when you choose a gap wedge, for example, instead of your iron-set-matching “P-club.” In today’s golf equipment marketplace, more and more golfers are making the investment of time and money to experience an iron fitting, going through trial and error and launch monitor measuring to get just the right shaft in their irons.
But then so many of those same golfers just go into a store and choose wedges off the retail display, with no similar science involved at all. And that’s why I see so many golfers with a huge disconnect between their custom-fitted irons, often with lighter and/or softer graphite or light steel shafts . . . and their off-the-rack wedges with the stock stiff steel ‘wedge flex’ shaft common to those stock offerings.
If your wedge shafts are significantly heavier and stiffer than the shafts in your irons, it is physically impossible for you to make the same swing. Period.
To quickly improve your wedge play, one of the first things you can do is have your wedges re-shafted with the same or similar shaft that is in your irons.
There’s another side of that shaft weight equation; if you don’t have the forearm and hand strength of a PGA Tour professional, you simply cannot “handle” the same weight shaft that those guys play to master the myriad of ‘touch shots’ around the greens.
Now, let’s move on to the third and other key component of your wedges – the grips. If those are not similar in shape and feel to the grips on your irons, you have another disconnect. Have your grips checked by a qualified golf club professionals to make sure you are in sync there.
The one caveat to that advice is that I am a proponent of a reduced taper in your wedge grips – putting two to four more layers of tape under the lower hand, or selecting one of the many reduced taper grips on the market. That accomplishes two goals for your scoring.
First, it helps reduce overactive hands in your full and near-full wedge swings. Quiet hands are key to good wedge shots.
And secondly, it provides a more consistent feel of the wedge in your hands as you grip down for those shorter and more delicate shots around the greens. And you should always grip down as you get into those touch shots. I call it “getting closer to your work.”
So, if you will spend as much time selecting the shafts and grips for your wedges as you do choosing the brand, model, and loft of them, your scoring range performance will get better.
More from the Wedge Guy
- The Wedge Guy: What really makes a wedge work? Part 1
- The Wedge Guy: The easiest-to-learn golf basic
- The Wedge Guy: Golf mastery begins with your wedge game
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19th Hole
Vincenzi’s 2024 Wells Fargo Championship betting preview: Tommy Fleetwood ready to finally land maiden PGA Tour title
The PGA Tour season ramps back up this week for another “signature event,” as golf fans look forward to the year’s second major championship next week.
After two weaker-field events in the Zurich Classic and the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, most of the best players in the world will head to historic Quail Hollow for one of the best non-major tournaments of the year.
Last season, Wyndham Clark won the event by four shots.
Quail Hollow is a par-71 measuring 7,521 yards that features Bermudagrass greens. The tree-lined, parkland style course can play quite difficult and features one of the most difficult three-hole stretches in golf known as “The Green Mile,” which makes up holes 16-18: two mammoth par 4s and a 221-yard par 3. All three holes have an average score over par, and water is in play in each of the last five holes on the course.
The field is excellent this week with 68 golfers teeing it up without a cut. All of the golfers who’ve qualified are set to tee it up, with the exception of Scottie Scheffler, who is expecting the birth of his first child.
Past Winners at Quail Hollow
- 2023: Wyndham Clark (-19)
- 2022: Max Homa (-8)
- 2021: Rory McIlroy (-10)
- 2019: Max Homa (-15)
- 2018: Jason Day (-12)
- 2017: Justin Thomas (-8) (PGA Championship)
- 2016: James Hahn (-9)
- 2015: Rory McIlroy (-21)
Key Stats For Quail Hollow
Strokes Gained: Approach
Strokes gained: Approach will be extremely important this week as second shots at Quail Hollow can be very difficult.
Total SG: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds
- Akshay Bhatia (+1.16)
- Tom Hoge (+1.12)
- Corey Conners (+1.01)
- Shane Lowry (+0.93)
- Austin Eckroat (+0.82)
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
Quail Hollow is a long course on which it is important to play from the fairway. Both distance and accuracy are important, as shorter tee shots will result in approach shots from 200 or more yards. With most of the holes heavily tree lined, errant drives will create some real trouble for the players.
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee Past 24 Rounds:
- Ludvig Aberg (+0.73)
- Rory McIlroy (+0.69)
- Xander Schauffele (+0.62)
- Viktor Hovland (+0.58)
- Chris Kirk (+0.52)
Proximity: 175-200
The 175-200 range is key at Quail Hollow. Players who can hit their long irons well will rise to the top of the leaderboard.
Proximity: 175-200+ over past 24 rounds:
- Cameron Young (28’2″)
- Akshay Bhatia (29’6″)
- Ludvig Aberg (+30’6″)
- Sam Burns (+30’6″)
- Collin Morikawa (+30’9″)
SG: Total on Tom Fazio Designs
Players who thrive on Tom Fazio designs get a bump for me at Quail Hollow this week.
SG: Total on Tom Fazio Designs over past 36 rounds:
- Patrick Cantlay (+2.10)
- Rory McIlroy (+1.95)
- Tommy Fleetwood (+1.68)
- Austin Eckroat (+1.60)
- Will Zalatoris (+1.57)
Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass)
Strokes Gained: Putting has historically graded out as the most important statistic at Quail Hollow. While it isn’t always predictable, I do want to have it in the model to bump up golfers who prefer to putt on Bermudagrass.
Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass) Over Past 24 Rounds:
- Taylor Moore (+0.82)
- Nick Dunlap (+.76)
- Wyndham Clark (+.69)
- Emiliano Grillo (+.64)
- Cam Davis (+.61)
Course History
This stat will incorporate players that have played well in the past at Quail Hollow.
Course History over past 36 rounds (per round):
- Rory McIlroy (+2.50)
- Justin Thomas (+1.96)
- Jason Day (+1.92)
- Rickie Fowler (+1.83)
- Viktor Hovland (+1.78)
Wells Fargo Championship Model Rankings
Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (27%), SG: Off the Tee (23%), SG: Total on Fazio designs (12%), Proximity: 175-200 (12%), SG: Putting Bermuda grass (12%), and Course History (14%).
- Wyndham Clark
- Rory McIlroy
- Xander Schauffele
- Shane Lowry
- Hideki Matsuyama
- Viktor Hovland
- Cameron Young
- Austin Eckroat
- Byeong Hun An
- Justin Thomas
2024 Wells Fargo Championship Picks
Tommy Fleetwood +2500 (DraftKings)
I know many out there have Tommy fatigue when it comes to betting, which is completely understandable given his lack of ability to win on the PGA Tour thus far in his career. However, history has shown us that players with Fleetwood’s talent eventually break though, and I believe for Tommy, it’s just a matter of time.
Fleetwood has been excellent on Tom Fazio designs. Over his past 36 rounds, he ranks 3rd in the field in Strokes Gained: Total on Fazio tracks. He’s also been incredibly reliable off the tee this season. He’s gained strokes in the category in eight of his past nine starts, including at The Masters, the PLAYERS and the three “signature events” of the season. Tommy is a golfer built for tougher courses and can grind it out in difficult conditions.
Last year, Fleetwood was the first-round leader at this event, firing a Thursday 65. He finished the event in a tie for 5th place.
For those worried about Fleetwood’s disappointing start his last time out at Harbour Town, he’s bounced back nicely after plenty of poor outings this season. His T7 at the Valero Texas Open was after a MC and T35 in his prior two starts and his win at the Dubai Invitational came after a T47 at the Sentry.
I expect Tommy to bounce back this week and contend at Quail Hollow.
Justin Thomas +3000 (DraftKings)
It’s been a rough couple of years for Justin Thomas, but I don’t believe things are quite as bad as they seem for JT. He got caught in the bad side of the draw at Augusta for last month’s Masters and has gained strokes on approach in seven of his nine starts in 2024.
Thomas may have found something in his most recent start at the RBC Heritage. He finished T5 at a course that he isn’t the best fit for on paper. He also finally got the putter working and ranked 15th in Strokes Gained: Putting for the week.
The two-time PGA champion captured the first of his two major championships at Quail Hollow back in 2017, and some good vibes from the course may be enough to get JT out of his slump.
Thomas hasn’t won an event in just about two years. However, I still believe that will change soon as he’s been one of the most prolific winners throughout his PGA Tour career. Since 2015, he has 15 PGA Tour wins.
Course history is pretty sticky at Quail Hollow, with players who like the course playing well there on a regular basis. In addition to JT’s PGA Championship win in 2017, he went 4-1 at the 2022 Presidents Cup and finished T14 at the event last year despite being in poor form. Thomas can return as one of the top players on the PGA Tour with a win at a “signature event” this week.
Cameron Young +3500 (DraftKings)
For many golf bettors, it’s been frustrating backing Cam Young this season. His talent is undeniable, and one of the best and most consistent performers on the PGA Tour. He just hasn’t broken through with a victory yet. Quail Hollow has been a great place for elite players to get their first victory. Rory McIlroy, Anthony Kim, Rickie Fowler and Wyndham Clark all notched their first PGA Tour win at Quail.
Throughout Cam Young’s career, he has thrived at tougher courses with strong fields. This season, he finished T16 at Riviera and T9 at Augusta National, demonstrating his preference of a tough test. His ability to hit the ball long and straight off the tee make him an ideal fit for Quail Hollow, despite playing pretty poorly his first time out in 2023 (T59). Young should be comfortable playing in the region as he played his college golf at Wake Forest, which is about an hour’s drive from Quail Hollow.
The 26-year-old has played well at Tom Fazio designs in the past and ranks 8th in the field in Strokes Gained: Total on those courses in his last 36 rounds. Perhaps most importantly, this season, Young is the best player on the PGA Tour in terms of proximity from 175-200 in the fairway, which is where a plurality and many crucial shots will come from this week.
Young is an elite talent and Quail Hollow has been kind to players of his ilk who’ve yet to win on Tour.
Byeong Hun An +5000 (FanDuel)
Byeong Hun An missed some opportunities last weekend at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. He finished T4 and played some outstanding golf, but a couple of missed short putts prevented him from getting to the winning score of -23. Despite not getting the win, it’s hard to view An’s performance as anything other than an overwhelming success. It was An’s fourth top-ten finish of the season.
Last week, An gained 6.5 strokes ball striking, which was 7th in the field. He also ranked 12th for Strokes Gained: Approach and 13th for Strokes Gained: Off the Tee. The South Korean has been hitting the ball so well from tee to green all season long and he now heads to a golf course that should reward his precision.
An’s driver and long irons are absolute weapons. At Quail Hollow, players will see plenty of approach shots from the 175-200 range as well as some from 200+. In his past 24 rounds, Ben ranks 3rd in the field in proximity from 175-200 and 12th in proximity from 200+. Playing in an event that will not end up being a “birdie” fest should help An, who can separate from the field with his strong tee to green play. The putter may not always cooperate but getting to -15 is much easier than getting to -23 for elite ball strikers who tend to struggle on the greens.
Winning a “signature event” feels like a tall task for An this week with so many elite players in the field. However, he’s finished T16 at the Genesis Invitational, T16 at The Masters and T8 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The 32-year-old’s game has improved drastically this season and I believe he’s ready to get the biggest win of his career.
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Sahil
Mar 8, 2019 at 7:00 am
He’s a good person but very ordinary tour player. Any other player who knows they coming up against Rickie Fowler down the stretch will feel that they have a chance. I’m pretty sure that they would quite intimidated by a Jordan Spieth, JT, Tiger, Phil. he just lacks that big match temperament.
Swingblade
Aug 11, 2014 at 12:38 pm
An article written by a Fowler fan boy is just what Rickie doesn’t need at this stage. It smacks of an us vs them mentality, young vs old. And, that is precisely the Rickie Fowler conundrum.
Rickie is a great young man and a great golfer. I like him and I know some of his family’s neighbors and they all like Rickie a great deal. That says a lot about him.
But, and this shouldn’t be rocket science, first impressions count. Period. A young guy comes along and basically wears gang banger hats and wild colors that no adult wears in public and immediately just turns off a great many of the golfing public. Now while he continues to flaunt those clothing tastes possibly demanded by his lucrative sponsorships, he adds the fuzzy peach fuzz above and below the lip. Hating? I’ve never seen any of that. Uncomfortable might be a better word.
Some people will have difficulty separating the demonstrated message of Rickie the golfer from the unspoken message of Rickie the gang banger/teenager clothes horse. I wish Rickie nothing but the best in his career and I think he is a quality addition to the PGA. But, I believe it is time to grow up and enter the adult golfing world in both the spoken and unspoken styles of communication.
danno
Sep 6, 2014 at 2:16 pm
@Swingblade I stopped reading your comment when I got to “gang banger hats”. Really!? Regardless of who we’re talking about here, my friend, that is a bigoted statement. Shame on you.
Peter
Jul 29, 2014 at 12:04 pm
Johnny Miller summed it up best by saying something like “he’s the most famous pro who’s won only one tournament”. Or something like that. So Ricky’s done some great work building a brand before building his resume on course. That gets some ire, and perhaps rightfully so. I do agree that he appeals to the kids and that can’t be all bad. But I hope he treats these orange-wearing kids well when he bumps into them, if not he should get roasted, early and often.
Billy
Aug 11, 2014 at 9:46 am
It’s just a shame that no one will remember how well he really DID play this year. His worst finish in any major this year was 5th! LOL
Mike
Jul 28, 2014 at 2:05 pm
Poor little Rickie. I will now take out my violin. Seriously though, the guys got guts sporting that peach fuzz stache, gotta admire his courage to be different and be his own man. Better to be a trend setter, rather than a follower.
Joseph
Jul 24, 2014 at 9:33 am
I read this article a few days ago and was really surprised. I think it’s a bit irresponsible quite honestly. Disliking him as a person? How many people really know Ricky Fowler? Strange way to go about this. Maybe the content should have been more around his appearance (clothes, hair etc) and how many people that might be turned off by that? But not liking him ? I don’t get it. I think he’s always handled himself very well on the golf course. He’s mature beyond his years. He does a nice job with interviews and is very articulate. He turned someone away for an autograph? Maybe he was headed somewhere and needed to get there. His most important job is being ready to compete. Every single professional golfer has to say no to autographs at some point. Fowler is coming into his own. I wish him the best and encourage him to continue being himself.
Mike Ulligan
Aug 6, 2014 at 7:37 pm
Articulate? Are you kidding me? Fowler is the WORST interview on Tour. He’s a dullard capable only of muttering boiler plate phrases. A real snoozer
Joseph
Aug 11, 2014 at 1:55 pm
I wonder how well a lot of people at the age of 25 would do with live interviews where millions of people are watching. Give the kid a break. He will only get better and is a huge rising star in the game.
Randy
Jul 24, 2014 at 9:12 am
Always have liked Ricky, I just wish he had not cut his hair and become too conservative looking.. Needs to wear a real golf hat would be my only suggestion..
simon
Jul 24, 2014 at 4:17 am
I was unaware that Ricky was disliked at all. Yes his style is different but I certainly would not dislike him for it. In fact I think he brightens the game for every one.
I suspect a lot of his style is his sponsors choice and not necessarily his personal style.
He actually looked a little conservative at the open. As for his golf. A brilliant player that will be a front runner in the near future. I like him even if the author doesn’t. And I hope Ricky never gets to see this hurt full article.
Justin Dunham
Jul 23, 2014 at 9:22 pm
This may have been said by others, as I didn’t read every single comment, but the fact is that Rickie is not a “grad” of Oklahoma State, having left after two years. He is, however, an exciting young player, and certainly one of my favorites both for his style and his personality.
Russell
Jul 23, 2014 at 6:36 pm
This is news to me – I thought he was a good lad – and still is. I think he does a mountain of work for charity as a lot of pros do.
Is this a story that has been made up to fill a page on website because people are running out of things to talk about?
Foxrock
Jul 23, 2014 at 6:02 pm
From the time I first encounterd Rickie Fowler – at the Walker Cup in Royal County Down where he was not only the USA’s standout player but also the most wonderful ambassador for his country – I’ve admired him as a golfer and as a person. He exemplifies all that’s good in golf. He’s very sporting, a creative shot maker, got a great attitude, and is a super guy. What’s to dislike? And what on earth is this article really about??
Max
Jul 23, 2014 at 5:08 pm
I still am not a fan of Fowler and I am even less of a fan of Stricker. Bring on the Tigers and the Patrick Reeds for me. The cocky players are the most entertaining to watch!
Ruggo
Jul 24, 2014 at 6:34 am
False
Randy
Jul 24, 2014 at 9:10 am
Really, sorry, but Tigger is such yesterdays news. Love the new players
nikkyd
Jul 23, 2014 at 4:55 pm
Who is gonna write the article on Bubba Watson and expose the poor characterthat he really is behind the camera?
tank
Jul 23, 2014 at 5:00 pm
did bubba break up with you?
Chris
Jul 24, 2014 at 3:47 pm
Tank…. haha
Donnie
Jul 23, 2014 at 3:59 pm
I used to be a Rickie Fowler hater, mostly because of his persona, hair, hat, etc. so this article is valid in my opinion. However, now I am looking a bit past my first impressions and looking at how he has been working on his swing, how well he played at The Open, his reputation, etc. and becoming more of a fan than a hater. Way to go Rickie, keep up the good work.
tank
Jul 23, 2014 at 3:34 pm
This article is annoying.. every golfer gets hated on. get off fowlers tip
Scooter McGavin
Jul 23, 2014 at 4:21 pm
Haha! This sums it up quite eloquently.
Jack F
Jul 23, 2014 at 1:47 pm
If Stricker and Poulter had a kid…
Pat M
Jul 23, 2014 at 1:40 pm
Rickie is a fine young man and a great golfer. He and Sergio, who are good friends, put on a great show on Sunday trying to catch Rory. Anyone who dislikes the kid is a tool.
Josh
Jul 23, 2014 at 1:24 pm
Seriously Kevin – if you are hanging around so many people that dislike Fowler, you should take a look at who it is you are hanging around.
Please point me in the direction of all of this “dislike” for Fowler. I’m guessing these people also dislike Kuchar.
Nathan
Jul 23, 2014 at 12:52 pm
Yea, I’m not sure where the inspiration for this article came from, but Fowler seems to be a class act and very well-liked. This subject seems ridiculous.
steve
Jul 23, 2014 at 12:46 pm
It is sports. You cheer for who like and jeer for who you don’t. Should Red Sox fans, love the Yankees. Should Rory fans love Rickie? This article is written by someone that is clueless about sports. Not to mention the fact that it is meaningless. This kid is of generation of everyone gets a trophy for just showing up. In my day 2nd place was the first loser
Curt
Jul 23, 2014 at 12:42 pm
I don’t care what you wear as long as you are a good ambassador to the game of golf. He has a very nice personality, and is not full of himself like some other players we know. I think it’s cool and I’m 48 and don’t dress at all like him or want to. I respect him and his game, He’s a fine golfer. the author of this must have been grasping at straws to come up with this one.
badbilly429
Jul 23, 2014 at 12:26 pm
The public is so desperate for their to be a dominant figure in golf that anyone that falls short of winning back to back weeks or multiple majors is just not cutting it for most people. And while speith and fowler are great players and are being consistent, they are still not doing what Tiger has done in the past.
LY
Jul 23, 2014 at 12:22 pm
What a dumb article.
Nick
Jul 23, 2014 at 12:19 pm
Sticky Flower is a boss, he could do without the frail stash though…….
Jack
Jul 23, 2014 at 11:50 am
All relevant players have some “haters”. Lots of golfers wear flat brimmed hats. Don’t think there is enough Fowler “hate” to write an article about it. Must have been a slow day.
Travis
Jul 23, 2014 at 11:37 am
I don’t believe there is a significant amount of dislike for Fowler. He is a very likable and friendly person. People are a critical of his game and lack of winning. Pretty normal as most pro golfers get criticized for one thing or another. The golfing public generally wants to see a little more bang for the buck than he was delivering. He makes a lot of money from golf and with that there is the expectation of wins to validate it.
I’ve never really been a fan but I’m happy to see him taking the necessary steps to improve his game. Based on this years results I think some wins are not far away.
Kevin
Jul 23, 2014 at 11:29 am
I like his orange hat so much I wear one now! I also have seen many men wearing orange at the course. It is fun people.
Robert
Jul 23, 2014 at 12:13 pm
So anyone who wears orange on the course is only wearing it because of Fowler? Do you think that someone who wears red is only doing it because Tiger? Or anyone who wears black is trying to be Phil?
That may be the case with a 10 year old kid, but the last thing I think about when I put my golf attire on is Rickie, Tiger or Phil.
FM
Jul 23, 2014 at 1:23 pm
I love the ESPN commercial with Ricky being “color blind”, drinking decaf (orange handle coffee pot” and pouring orange juice in his coffee.
Wasn’t a big fan of him and Beiber haircut in the beginning. After seeing how well he interacts with fans and competitors, I’ve grown to respect him.
i really like how he strikes his irons.
Nick Parry
Jul 23, 2014 at 11:07 am
strange article to write, nothing to dislike about Rickie Fowler ; the game needs more Rickie Fowler’s , especially here in Europe. The game of golf is stuck in state of limbo, Take the Royal & Ancient “R&A” (something in the name here ! ) and what todays generation of youngsters see as an attractive and exciting sport.
Yes we need tradition and remember the greats, but some of the most successful golfers in the bygone era were working class fighting the class system.
I am not saying Rickie is working class, far from it, but when you are competing against Soccer or Football :), Tennis etc, the game needs to be exciting and Rickie is the poster boy for the new generation. Just needs a little more distance to hit it past Rory and Dustin then you have an exciting ambassador for the younger generation; throw in a major win, perfect.
Speith needs to liven up in my view, would rather watch Ricky. !
Jeff
Jul 23, 2014 at 11:05 am
What an article.
Most avid watches of golf would probably disagree with these comments.
I think these are the authors personal views and that’s a shame.
Ricky is a great player and class act .
Look again!!
Clemson Sucks
Jul 23, 2014 at 10:09 am
Didn’t realize there was this much hate for Fowler. Odd article.
MHendon
Jul 24, 2014 at 12:04 am
you should understand with that screen name. Its the orange. lol
Mike Ulligan
Aug 6, 2014 at 7:46 pm
There are so many haters that Fowler actually adresses the issues on his own website. Tons of people hate Rickie Fowler probably because he has sought so much attention without backing it up with performance. Others have stated that he came on the scene and tried to change the culture and style of golf with a hip-hop gangsta style. There are tons of people who resent this.
MarkCPA
Jul 23, 2014 at 9:26 am
Just checking my calendar and making sure it’s not April 1st after reading that article.
Nope, it’s not.
Bill
Jul 23, 2014 at 8:50 am
I’m 67 and think Fowler is a breath of fresh air. He over does the orange crush outfit but so be it. My disgust is with the ignoramus Bubba Watson and the Bible Thumper Webb Simpson and the Jezebel he’s married to, Dowd.
Mike Ulligan
Aug 6, 2014 at 7:47 pm
Fowler is also a “bible thumper” and attends bible groups on tour with Bubba and Webb. Just saying.
RJ
Jul 23, 2014 at 8:12 am
I don’t think I’ve seen a more useless article on GolfWRX. If you wanted to discuss how YOU dislike his sense of style or how YOU look ridiculous trying to dress like him, that’s one thing, but to say people dislike him as person is idiotic. Every time he tees it up there are hundreds, if not thousands, of kids lining his gallery wearing their flat brim hats and rooting for the guy. I’ve seen several threads with people talking about his clothes, but I’ve never once seen anyone say they dislike him a person.
rick
Jul 23, 2014 at 7:52 am
he does all the military support outings ,,@ his age that is awesome..class act
Ronald Montesano
Jul 23, 2014 at 7:08 am
I need an assignment like this! Keep the feedback coming, people.
KK
Jul 23, 2014 at 7:00 am
Phil, Adam and Bubba didn’t win majors until their 30s. Rickie is only 25. Give him some time. He may not need much going by his great major performance this year.
Ernasty
Jul 23, 2014 at 4:19 am
Dumb
Alan
Jul 23, 2014 at 12:41 am
I hate Jonas Blixt too
J
Jul 23, 2014 at 12:08 am
To everyone saying they didn’t know Rickie was disliked… Go read the forums. You’ll find a gaggle of grown men talking smack about another man’s clothes…. That may not imply dislike… But it implies a contempt of sorts… Like it or not.,,
MB
Jul 23, 2014 at 2:41 pm
Exactly. I’m a fan of Rickie and ALWAYS see hate for the kid. He’s probably the classiest guy on tour and dudes are always hating on him – online, media taking snide jabs, people at tour events. I follow Rickie at tour events when I can go and the amount of negative comments and jeers toward him is overwhelming. So the people who are saying this article is “dumb” are actually the uninformed ones… Go Rickie!
themanwith nogame
Jul 23, 2014 at 12:00 am
This article should be pulled from the site.
Tommy
Jul 23, 2014 at 12:40 am
We can all agree on that?
Tommy
Jul 23, 2014 at 12:40 am
*!!!
Enrique
Jul 23, 2014 at 1:06 am
yes..remove this article
Primexcel
Jul 23, 2014 at 11:07 am
Definitely should not have been a headlining article. You’re better than that Golfwrx, come on!
Andrew
Jul 23, 2014 at 6:47 pm
Agreed 100%, this is poor form Golf WRX.
DatSliceDoe
Jul 22, 2014 at 11:57 pm
I only know that the kids love him, and that is all that matters. We need to grow this game and get away from the stuck up, perfectionist attitude that some of the older players instill in our youth. The haters of Fowler either don’t exist or are very few, but they probably hate Tiger as well if not more. Let them. I honestly don’t care at all anymore. I’ve seen both players several times on tour and both are outstanding with their play as well as fan interaction, given how popular Tiger is (I shudder to say that to a hater…) he doesn’t have as much time to sign after a round, but I also didn’t see Rickie sign one item after a round at the Bridgestone last year.
If any of their actions offend anyone, you need to prioritize your ideas of what an athlete should be first. A human being, not some idol.
Tommy
Jul 22, 2014 at 11:54 pm
No one hates Ricky. We just hate his clothes.
Scott
Jul 23, 2014 at 12:01 am
Can’t wait for the article about all the Steve Stricker haters.
Mikec
Jul 23, 2014 at 8:55 am
Who are we? I like and wear lots of PUMA. Great color schemes for those who like a “bold” look.
Ruggo
Jul 24, 2014 at 6:36 am
Agreed puma clothes are awesome
Enrique
Jul 22, 2014 at 11:42 pm
Come on. This article is unnecessary. I haven’t met a soul who dislikes this kid. In fact most are extremely fond of the guy.
I feel like I’m watching the local news who is running out of stories and writes some BS article.
Charles
Jul 22, 2014 at 11:36 pm
The author needs to stop dismissing the Tiger Woods era as over.
DatSliceDoe
Jul 23, 2014 at 12:01 am
Fully agree. Knock him all you want, but I dare others to play to his level after undergoing a procedure like that. Get over yourself, Mr. Casey, this is like saying Nicklaus’ era was over in 1980, when within the next 6 years he won 3 majors. The TW era is over when he stops playing professional golf.
Ernasty
Jul 23, 2014 at 4:16 am
Preach on brother!
Charles
Jul 22, 2014 at 11:34 pm
If he didn’t stick his ears inside his hat, I would have no issue with him.
RM
Jul 22, 2014 at 11:38 pm
I was thinking the same thing. Pro baseball has required ears be inside the players cap for years!
tommy
Jul 22, 2014 at 11:39 pm
First photo..
Buck
Jul 22, 2014 at 11:51 pm
http://www.mgatour.com/news/chapter-news/pga-tewer-fowler-cuts-hair-plan-grow-out-ears-next
paul
Jul 22, 2014 at 10:43 pm
People dislike Ricky? Since when? Seems like a great kid. My two year old wants an orange hat. I suppose I could dislike that his sense of fashion is costing me money.
Tyler
Jul 22, 2014 at 9:16 pm
I agree with most of the sentiment on here that this article is ridiculous and no one “hates” Rickie. I’m sure many would agree that the amount of attention he receives with only 1 tour win is questionable, but hey, great marketing on his part.
My main point is, even if people do not care for Fowler, who cares? It’s the nature of being a sports fan that you will have people you cheer for and others you just can’t stand and hope they fall on their face. Since when did we as fans have to like everyone and hope everyone finishes first?
It’s professional sports at the end of the day and fans can feel however they want to regarding specific athletes. It’s what makes watching sports exciting!
P
Jul 22, 2014 at 9:06 pm
What a post!
The hate comes from his grandfather being Japanese.
EF
Jul 22, 2014 at 8:56 pm
Already been said, but should be said again. Who hates Rickie Fowler? To the contrary, he gets a pretty sizeable amount of n*t-huggery from pretty much everyone on the planet. I’ve always like him, his game, and his swing, but I think he is really only starting to deserve all of the ACCOLADES he has been getting for years.
This article makes absolutely no sense. I would guess the hate/neutral/adore percentages on Rickie are like 10%/40%/50%.
Moon
Jul 22, 2014 at 8:16 pm
He’s cool. Looks like young DiCaprio a bit.
Desmond
Jul 23, 2014 at 9:00 am
I saw the same thing — a resemblance
alan
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:57 pm
huh?? can i have the part of my life that i spent reading the first few paragraphs back? ill take the time i spent writing these comments back too.
85020
Jul 22, 2014 at 10:38 pm
Amen. Anyone in the public eye is open to supporters and detracters. Until reading this article, I had no idea Ricky Fowler was so disliked. Thanks for the eye opening worthless drivel. Now I can go back to watching my paint dry……………
ih8
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:19 pm
This article has to be the most long-winded, over-done article I’ve ever read on this site. I mean come on man, get to the point!
I get your point, the Rickie hating is a little over the top. However, I’d like to throw out something for you to consider. My philosophy is in this case is “don’t hate the player, hate the game.” Everything I’ve seen about Rickie shows him to be a pretty good dude and anyone who’s been a PGA tour event knows anyone who plays on tour is a player of a caliber beyond anything any of us will ever achieve on the links, but you know what I hate: the senseless media hype that goes along with him. You know, the articles that say Rickie things like Fowler has ‘a similar modicum of talent’ as Rory McIlroy or like when Rich Lerner and the vapid talking heads at GC who want to throw Rickie into any conversation they can because they only know the names of 5, maybe 6, golfers. The player is fine….but I sure do hate the game.
Victor
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:13 pm
What a ridiculous article. 13 people dislike him and you write a tome about it? Slow news day, I guess.
west
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:09 pm
Who dislikes Rickie? And why are these articles so hard to follow…written like a Shakespearian play.
Craig Smith
Jul 22, 2014 at 8:44 pm
Who dislikes him? Nearly everyone on tour. He is the worst kind of hypocrite. In the Payne Stewart vein.
JohnB
Jul 22, 2014 at 11:40 pm
Actually have some friends in very high places in the USGA and from what ive heard Ricky is one of the nicest guys on tour, very well liked and great to the fans
Ken
Jul 22, 2014 at 6:47 pm
It’s hard to imagine forming a dislike based on his clothes, hair, hats … That seems a tad shallow, IMO. That’s all a matter of personal style, marketing, being unique. He’s young enough to pull it off. What the hell. Most of the critics would jump at the opportunity given the chance. From everything I’ve seen, he’s a good kid with a great attitude. And he will win.
warchild
Jul 22, 2014 at 6:29 pm
The hate for Ricky is what’s wrong with golf. A good chunk of golfers are uptight and fussing over pointless nonsense. The guy is having fun playing golf on the pro level and making tons of money doing it. I’ll take a “slacker” Ricky Fowler having a good time making golf seem fun than an overachieving sourpuss like Tiger who looks like a walking therapy session.
Jack
Jul 22, 2014 at 6:12 pm
you can put me in the catagory of “dislike”……..when he shapes up his image and abandons his neon colors, flat bill cap and his stupid attempt at facial hair I may change my mind.
Jim
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:59 pm
Probably a gold full size family sedan driving , corn flake cereal eating, missionary position only kind of guy afraid of a little change from the normal huh Jack. He is great for the game at any given event how many little kids do you see rocking the orange puma gear with the puma flat bill hat . Whats wrong with that image, the guy signs every autograph asked of him at every event , never just walks past and looks the through the people that are his fans
Marc
Jul 22, 2014 at 10:23 pm
Jack – Grow up! How shallow you must be to judge based on attire and facial hair? The kids been amazing for the game and is a role model for kids of all ages. I’m sure you’re the epitome of fashion your self 😉 <— that's called an emoticon sorry for being relevant
Jeremy
Jul 22, 2014 at 10:35 pm
Ladies and Gentlemen: The “I’ll Play Persimmons until the Day I Die” guy from the Nike Commercials.
Enrique
Jul 22, 2014 at 11:43 pm
When he starts dressing like you everything will be ok? Jerk.
J
Jul 23, 2014 at 12:06 am
And you sir, should probably stop paying attention to other men’s clothes…. That’s beyond creepy. It’s disturbing. For one grown man to make comments about the color of another man’s clothes makes a pretty serious implication in and of itself….
Chisag
Jul 22, 2014 at 6:08 pm
… Can’t say I have ever heard anyone say they hated Rickie? I am 60 and have plenty of similar aged friends and folks I have talked to that all like Rickie. Sure more than a few hate his hat or his clothing choices but that never seems to include Rickie himself. Quite an accomplishment really and says a lot about his game and character.
Primexcel
Jul 22, 2014 at 6:04 pm
Didn’t know Fowler was disliked. Terrible article.
baddog
Jul 22, 2014 at 6:03 pm
This is about the most oddball and ridiculously titled article I’ve had the displeasure of reading. Seriously, was this a joke? The only people I imagine hate Ricky are the orange haters. Some people just have a cow about anything orange and part of the reason I am really enjoying my new JPX Forged. Like most of the commentary out there, this is pure dribble.
duboscd
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:54 pm
There is a lot of dislike towards him, mainly because of his fashion and style. And most of the “hate” towards him seems to be coming from either casual fans who only watch majors or the older, more traditional fan. Not everyone dislikes him, but there are plenty of people who don’t like him specifically because he wears a flat-brim cap, which I think is ridiculous.
wayunderpar22
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:45 pm
He needs to win a major. This year has certainly been a step in the right direction. I viewed him until the last few months as golf’s Anna Kournakova. All style no substance. Glad he is finally showing the game.
MHendon
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:25 pm
Yeah got to say I didn’t know Rickie was disliked. Seems to have more fans then most. I would think if under performing and over marketing ones self was a reason to dislike a player then John Daly would be the poster boy for that.
justin
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:22 pm
I was at the memorial for the pro am when a little kid went up to ricky and asked him for an autograph. The kid was in a orange puma hat puma shirt and puma pants. You could tell this meant the world to this kid. Ricky looked at him like he was stupid and kept walking. I will never cheer for him again after that incident.
Scoot
Jul 22, 2014 at 6:43 pm
Prove it.
twshoot67
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:38 pm
I find this very hard to believe. I have like 50 pictures with Rickie when he played at the AT&T where he signed every autograph until there was no one left. He also stayed and took pics with anyone who asked. I call BS on you!
PS: Rickie actual took 1 individual pick with each of my 4 sons then took pics with group shots , then with me and reach one of my kids individually and then full family shot, he couldn’t be more accommodating. He went out of his way for each and every fan there, a lot more then I can say about many tour players. i’m 50 and have been to many events. Rickie is by far one of the nicest young men on the Tour. he knows how to treat the fans so again I call BS on this statement made by you about a young boy and rickie ignoring him or even making him feel neglected, He would never do that. heck even Rickie’s caddy is a great guy and took time to talk with me for a good 10 mins while Rickie went in to sign his score card only to come out and sign autographs for another 30-40 mins.
twshoot67
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:40 pm
If you want to see all the pics I have with Rickie Fowler and my boys just check my FB page. Rickie is all good by me… heck if the rest of the Tour was as nice as this young man the future of the tour would be perfect!
Josh
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:22 pm
I’ve never heard any personal attack against Rickie Fowler. Quite the opposite. Everything I have ever heard about him is how much people like him, and what a nice guy he is. This article is pretty ridiculous …
Justin
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:18 pm
When I was at the memorial this year during the pro am a little kid came up to him with the orange puma hat clothes…. he was basically the mini me of ricky and asked him for an autograph. Ricky looked at him like he was stupid and kept walking. After I saw that I will never cheer or support him again.
cmac
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:10 pm
Watched Rickie at Hoylake he had loads of support from the crowd I dont think he was disliked he handled himself very well and is a class act. Should only be a matter of time under stewardship of Butch Harmon before he lands a mayor
Kevin Casey
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:28 pm
I’m not saying that everyone hates Rickie personally. Heck, a vast majority of the fans love him. It’s just that with Rickie, there’s almost no in between, so there’s going to be a minority of people that hate him.
It’s just something I’ve noticed with golf that some people really dislike Rickie, hate him personally. You don’t have to go far on the Internet to find a number of people who dislike him in the way I stated. I also have a few friends of mine that watch golf and hate Rickie on this level.
As for the crowds at Hoylake, with any golf crowd at an event you don’t see the dislike there. After all, Tiger receives the most massive support from the galleries, and he might be hated by the most people in golf.
Mike Ulligan
Aug 6, 2014 at 7:55 pm
You don’t have to defend yourself on the “hate” issue. Fowler admits the hate exists on his own website. He obviously perceives it himself.
RobN
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:09 pm
If the reason people dislike him is because of a certain type of HAT he wears, I submit the person/people disliking him have bigger issues of their own to deal with. A hat certainly does not define a man.
Bdube
Jul 23, 2014 at 3:05 pm
AMEN!
Norma Stitz
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:08 pm
I didn’t realize people had ill feelings toward Mr. Fowler. My only issue is all the hyperbole about his talent and ability. From my perspective, I see a young man who has exactly 1 win in his career. The second place finishes here or there won’t mean squat when he tells his grandchildren what he did while on tour. Maybe the guy is the nicest guy out there and good for him, but wake me up when he accomplishes something besides orange clothes and near misses.
Kevin Casey
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:21 pm
That’s perfectly reasonable to me. I don’t care if someone criticized Rickie for his record on the course versus his talent. That’s totally fair game, even if it is a little overdone.
There’s definitely a sizable minority out there that outright hates Rickie Fowler. There was one guy a few years back who had his letter to the editor to Golf World published regarding Fowler’s place on the cover. He complained that Rickie’s place on the cover was “disgusting” and used other such insulting terms due to the fact that Fowler was on the cover with a backwards hat and his outrageous clothes. Kind of a disturbingly hostile letter toward a player just for the clothes he wears.
If you’re still reticent to believe in him as a super talent though, no issues there.
steve
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:06 pm
Wow boring article, with nothing learned here. How come no mention of the RickieFowler.com Tour bag he uses. He is a better then average tour player. Who is hating him? He knows how to promote himself. If your a Rickie Mo like alot of here, so be it. But have a original thought. He has had a very good showing at the Majors. Only Bubba, Martin and Rory did better. But if he is there on sunday at the PGA he better close the deal or it will be golf version of the Buffalo Bills. You think his year at the majors is “extraordinary”? I think when Tiger won 3 of 4 majors was extraordinary. He has impressed at the Majors, no doubt played great. Would you take Rickies year at the Majors or Bubba’s, Martins or Rory’s?
freed0m
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:06 pm
Very talented young man. GO RICKIE!
jjots
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:01 pm
I was not aware that golf fans “personally dislike” him. they may not cheer for him, but personal dislike is a strong statement to make.
Bubba
Jul 22, 2014 at 5:01 pm
He’s sponsored by Redbull,.. he makes golf look fun,… he sings with Bubba,… he’s working with Butch,… Everybody loves Rickie!
12aces
Jul 22, 2014 at 4:58 pm
I’d hate to be an acquaintance of yours
tbowles411
Jul 22, 2014 at 4:50 pm
Honestly, I didn’t know people disliked Rickie.
Blkjazz
Jul 22, 2014 at 4:47 pm
Maybe if he stopped wearing the horrible looking cap…
Sean
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:38 pm
I wasn’t aware there was so much dislike for Mr. Fowler. Personally I like the lad.