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Tour Mash: Did Fowler give the Phoenix Open away?

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10 years ago

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Ah, what could have been for Rickie Fowler. Instead of building on his Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship victory last month, his decision-making on the penultimate hole in regulation was costly, and may haunt him for some time to come. Fowler’s scorched driver blew through the entirety of the driveable par four, coming to rest in a watery grave. On a hole that he expected to birdie, the lad in high-tops signed for a bogey, dropping into a tie for the lead.

On No. 18, Fowler needed to make a 12-foot putt to force extra holes after a gutsy putt by Matsuyama. His effort looked to be sliding away from the hole, until it dropped in the right side. So started an epic match between the young lads, which lasted four holes past regulation to determine a champion.

For Fowler, No. 17 proved to be his undoing in the playoff as well. Hideki Matsuyama found the fairway on the fourth extra hole while Rickie overcooked a five-metal, into the wraparound pond on the left. Although Matsuyama failed to make birdie, Fowler again failed to get up-and-down, recording another bogey and a playoff loss. The victory was Matsuyama’s second on the PGA Tour, following his 2014 win at the Memorial Tournament.

Here’s a recap of the duel in the desert between Fowler and Matsuyama.

Related: See the clubs Matsuyama used to win

An emotional Fowler — looking to perform in front of his family and friends — didn’t take the loss lightly. Maybe a Green Jacket in April will coat the pain?

Ha Na Jang Nabs First Win On Tour

Everyone caught Jang’s downward-flower, putter spin-and-tuck on the 18th green on Saturday, right? After she made the putt to clinch victory at the Coates Classic, Jang made us forget Chi-Chi Rodriguez’ sword dance with what might become a common site on the LPGA Tour. A week after holing her tee shot for a 1 on a par 4, Jang cinched her inaugural tour victory with a final-round 72. Two shots behind was Brooke Henderson, who had the lead until two closing bogeys dropped her to second. Most surprising was world No. 1 Lydia Ko’s Day 4 implosion. The Kiwi made five bogeys and a double to drop from the overnight lead to a third-place tie.

Danny Willett On Top At Dubai

Whoever is in charge of England’s side for the 2016 Rio Olympics should have the easiest of jobs. Danny Willett went out on Sunday and won the Dubai Desert Classic, but countryman Andy Sullivan nearly picked his pocket. Willett cruised through most of the round with a tidy lead, but was forced to birdie the last hole to edge playing partner Rafael Cabrera-Bello and Sullivan by a stroke. Cabrera was seemingly all over the UAE with his tee balls, but played the final 11 holes in four-under par to move into the mix.

Related: See the clubs Willett used to win in Dubai

Toledo, Muñoz Win On Champions and Web.Com Tours

Esteban Toledo watched Billy Andrade gas a six-feet birdie for the win in regulation. Given new life at the Allianz Championship, Toledo earned the Mexican dinner he promised himself for a win with a par on the third extra hole. The victory was Toledo’s fourth Champions Tour win, and third in a playoff. Count on the former boxer if it comes down to extra holes!

In Colombia, Sebastián Muñoz gave the people of Bogotá a hometown champion with a last-hole birdie. Putting his sponsor’s examption to good use, Muñoz kept his cool as Richy Werenski and Matt Atkins nearly chased him down. The local lad finished off a rain-delayed 66 in the morning, then returned and posted an even-par 71 for the victory.

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Ronald Montesano writes for GolfWRX.com from western New York. He dabbles in coaching golf and teaching Spanish, in addition to scribbling columns on all aspects of golf, from apparel to architecture, from equipment to travel. Follow Ronald on Twitter at @buffalogolfer.

45 Comments

45 Comments

  1. don d.

    Feb 11, 2016 at 2:07 am

    ricky gave it away. driver on 17 ? I wonder if he was worried about being booed if he pulled iron. I liked the way he handled it though. Ricky is an up and comer , hoping for a major. Hideki is a very slow player . I wonder if the pga tour would object to handing out stop watches to spectators at tour events? What happened to the 40 second rule?

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 11, 2016 at 5:00 am

      Can you imagine the response if a player were assessed a 1 or 2 stroke penalty on penultimate hole, while tied for the lead? PGA Tour knows it cannot change behaviors, probably fears any type of legal action (justify penalizing me and not him) and has cooperative television partners that allow events to run over.

      Reply Report comment

  2. Pelling

    Feb 10, 2016 at 4:49 pm

    Rickie is snake bit in Phoenix! Laid up on 15, lost. Went for it on 17, lost.

    Reply Report comment

  3. Jack Nash

    Feb 10, 2016 at 3:48 pm

    Did Fowler give it away? Why yes he did. Up by 2 with 2 to play in regulation he stands on the 17th tee box and pulls out the driver. You could almost hear Miller’s eyeballs rolling in his head. Pull a 3 or 4 iron out and you have a sand wedge in and you have a birdie chance. Miller said years ago, win ugly. Fowler never got that memo.

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 10, 2016 at 7:48 pm

      I would love to have been privy to the caddie-golfer conversation on that tee. He did absolutely nut that tee ball, but what happened, should have been enough of a consideration to have taken driver out of the equation. I cannot believe that hitting into the swale was such a negative, especially given his excellent wedge play, that another reader already mentioned.

      Reply Report comment

  4. Mad-Mex

    Feb 10, 2016 at 4:25 am

    Funny how all those who are trying to analyze his playing would get all gushy and start acting like teenage girls at a boy band concert if Fowler would come up and start talking to you.
    Unless YOUR a top 100 tour player, shut up!

    Have a nice day

    PS- No, I can’t break par on my best day,

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 10, 2016 at 7:51 pm

      Glad to have you back, Mex. I don’t get the connection of your two argument points. If you had said “you guys who are criticizing Fowler’s one bad decision would have a hard time maintaining your argument in the glow of a Fowler stare,” then I would understand.

      I welcome all “top 100 tour players” to be readers, but I don’t know how many I get. Until they start commenting, I’m stuck with this bunch of yahoos, and I love’em all!!

      Reply Report comment

      • Mad-Mex

        Feb 11, 2016 at 11:54 pm

        Allow me,,,,,,,,,,,, there is dozens of people commenting about what Ricky “should” have done, those critics like you said, would fold and grin and smile if they were to be confronted by Fowler agreeing with everything he said. In my humble opinion which is worth less than 2 pesos (exchange rate is 17.5 pesos to the dollar) there is a definite line between being an opinion expressing yahoo and a judgmental pompous jerk. And I doubt top 100 players have time to read too much of anything here,,,,,,,,,

        Reply Report comment

        • Ronald Montesano

          Feb 12, 2016 at 11:17 am

          I think I get it now. I agree that a chance to REALLY here Rickie Fowler walk us through the thought process would clarify everything that happened pre and post shot. I’m certain that he was stunned that his ball went that far and I’m confident that the water beyond the green was never part of the discussion with the caddie, just as the bleachers probably weren’t for Jean van de Velde. Two massively bad breaks that two decent shots didn’t deserve. I accept your dos pesos as worth a lot more than you give them credit for.

          Reply Report comment

  5. snowman

    Feb 9, 2016 at 10:20 pm

    I gotta say yes he gave it away with a bad decision on 17 in the final round. Driver was the risky shot when he needed to protect the lead. As J. Miller said on the broadcast, if he lays it out right in front of the green, he makes birdie more often than not and certainly makes a par there. Butch Harmon is one awesome dude. He’s got ricky playing good and sneaker too.

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 9, 2016 at 11:14 pm

      You could see that 3-metal got to the swale in front of the green. I wonder if hybrid would have gotten him there, too. It seemed like the prudent play. Of course he didn’t think driver would go over the green, but now he will. Better to lose a tour event than a major with that type of decision.

      Reply Report comment

  6. Double Mocha Man

    Feb 9, 2016 at 8:15 pm

    Everyone complaining about Rickie’s pants and shoes is over 50 and has no sense of style. And they’re probably voting Republican.

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 9, 2016 at 11:15 pm

      I like the kicks and the pants. Officially 50+ since October.

      Reply Report comment

    • Scott

      Feb 10, 2016 at 5:09 pm

      Over 50. No issues with his clothes. Yes, voting Conservative in November.

      Reply Report comment

      • Ronald Montesano

        Feb 10, 2016 at 7:53 pm

        I hate when politics and golf mix. I don’t care what people are voting in any month of any year. All that matters to me is a solid, logical golf take.

        Reply Report comment

  7. devilsadvocate

    Feb 9, 2016 at 11:14 am

    Richard c’mon man no crying in golf man up…. U played great and nearly won the tourney with your B game… Driver was the play you and your caddie liked and you pulled the shot off… You can’t do anything more than that… Sometimes a hole gets in your head and 17 was in fowlers head long before Sundays round… And he stepped up and piped DRIVER right on his line with the pressure on just like he knew he would…. Which is why DRIVER was the play for him in that situation… That downslope was a freak accident 2-3% chance and I think DRIVER was the play again in the playoff… Anyway I think this loss probably gives him a better chance at Augusta and did more for his game in the long run than a win would have… Although he probably wouldn’t like to hear that… Hardship and controversy forge a man and rickie is still a boy… Rickie the man is on the horizon tho

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 9, 2016 at 11:16 pm

      I believe he carried it to front of green -310 yards- Now he knows adrenaline and knows its plusses and minuses.

      Reply Report comment

  8. Clemson Sucks

    Feb 9, 2016 at 11:09 am

    Rickie’s caddie lost him the tournament of 17, when he recommended a driver off of the tee. Rickie proceeded to blast it over the green and into the water. He could have hit a 3 iron off the tee. Knocked a wedge close and at worse make par and win the tournament.

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 9, 2016 at 11:17 pm

      Not like Rickie was arguing. But, perhaps it was a seminal moment for the partnership, where Rickie knows he has to ask the extra question or two. Great lesson and not the worst place to get a good lesson (as in, not a major!)

      Reply Report comment

      • Clemson Sucks

        Feb 11, 2016 at 12:17 pm

        Yep, Rickie obviously has the final say. But the caddie saying, “You’ll have to hit a 3 wood perfectly to carry that bunker” immediately puts doubt in Rickies head about hitting the 3 wood. I thought he should have played the 3 wood out to the right and not go right at the green.

        Reply Report comment

        • Ronald Montesano

          Feb 11, 2016 at 1:50 pm

          Good call. Caddie should never have made that kind of statement. If 3 was in the conversation for making the green, driver should have been a “what’s over the green” notion.

          Reply Report comment

  9. Rich

    Feb 9, 2016 at 8:01 am

    Yes

    Reply Report comment

  10. Peyton

    Feb 8, 2016 at 7:59 pm

    Glad the tubed girly-pants guy lost and went home crying

    Reply Report comment

  11. Steve

    Feb 8, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    Golf god’s paid him back for wearing his sisters pants and basketball shoes.

    Reply Report comment

    • Brian

      Feb 8, 2016 at 8:13 pm

      You people are so funny, getting up in arms over a pair of shoes and pants. I don’t understand the disdain for it, especially since they’re fundamentally not that much different than knickers, which I doubt anyone gave Payne Stewart crap over. The sentiment towards the high tops and joggers is baffling. If the course deems it appropriate attire, I don’t see how it’s a problem.

      Reply Report comment

      • steve

        Feb 9, 2016 at 8:05 am

        If you cant understand or are baffled, how is that anyone’s problem but yours

        Reply Report comment

        • Brian

          Feb 9, 2016 at 10:56 am

          It’s really a simple question: Why do we care so much about someone’s pants?

          http://i.imgur.com/QXbfnjU.jpg
          http://www.thepreserveatbayclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/SamSnead.jpg
          http://cdn.usatsimg.com/image/thumb/660-495nw/9043291.jpg

          Each of those looks is from a specific time. Everyone has their preference, and that’s really it. We certainly don’t have to agree, but the vitriol showed towards him over joggers (which don’t look all that much different from regular pants!) is pretty over the top. Knickers, baggy pants, joggers, regular pants…take your pick. The nice part is you can wear what you like and I can wear what I like, and Rickie can wear what he likes (and gets paid boatloads of money to wear).

          Reply Report comment

          • Ronald Montesano

            Feb 10, 2016 at 7:54 pm

            I love the smell of napalm in the morning, and I REALLY LOVE a reader who can back up a point with … evidence! Nicely written and supported, Brian. Vitriol is no one’s favorite tonic, as they always serve it to others and never to themselves.

            Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 10, 2016 at 7:58 pm

      I’m sure you have more to say than this knee-jerk reaction, Steve. I think that the Golf Gods care more about, say, replacing divots and chinch bugs than they do what Dick Fowler, Private Eye, wears on the golf course!!

      Keep reading and contributing. We’re glad to have you…RM

      Reply Report comment

  12. Ronald Montesano

    Feb 8, 2016 at 4:57 pm

    Just a great weekend for golf.

    Reply Report comment

  13. Tom Duckworth

    Feb 8, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    Great match they played so well. I could care less about the Super Bowl until the game was over.
    Can’t figure why Rickie didn’t just hit a 3 fairway metal on that hole both times.
    A very good win for Matsuyama super fun to watch. Rickie will win more this year.

    Reply Report comment

  14. Nathan

    Feb 8, 2016 at 4:17 pm

    Cannot fault the logic with driver if he felt 100% about it, but one thing that made Tiger great is he did what would guarantee him the win. Tiger would of went Putter, Putter, Putter if he knew it would get the win. Rickie will be back and it’s just a part of learning how to win and become great. He is going to get his share.

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 10, 2016 at 8:00 pm

      I hope so. I don’t think any of his decisions were ever debated by him and his caddie. I wonder if there is a balance in their decision-making process, or if the caddie is just a yes-man. Both arrangements can work, so I’m curious as to how theirs works.

      Reply Report comment

  15. farmer

    Feb 8, 2016 at 1:16 pm

    I think one of the commentators said during regulation that to hit a ball into the water behind 17 required a 365 yd drive. Doubt that Rickie planned on that. In the playoff, however, if you’re going to layup, layup! He could 5 iron, wedge that hole all day.

    Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 9, 2016 at 11:18 pm

      Truth. 3 metal revealed the thought process: well, if not driver, then obviously 3 metal, right? what other choice is there?

      In this case, your lay up call is proper.

      Reply Report comment

  16. Double Mocha Man

    Feb 8, 2016 at 11:07 am

    Matsuyama was a “robot” in the playoff… missing not a single shot. Hard to defend against. He would have won about 95% of the PGA playoffs in the history of the game with that performance. Good for him, but I was pulling for Rickie and his high-tops.

    Reply Report comment

    • Forsbrand

      Feb 8, 2016 at 1:01 pm

      Well done matsuyama ! Look forward to seeing either of the fluroscent yellow or orange kids donning a greens jacket at Augusta. The hi tops would really set the eyes rolling at Augsta I hope Ricky leaves them at home!

      Reply Report comment

      • Double Mocha Man

        Feb 8, 2016 at 4:52 pm

        Do it Rickie, do it! High tops at Augusta.

        Reply Report comment

        • Ronald Montesano

          Feb 10, 2016 at 8:06 pm

          Right? Remember a few years back, when they told Rickie to turn his hat around, even though the logo was in the back? I wonder how they would handle the Delaet or Weekley beards at Augusta!

          Reply Report comment

      • Ronald Montesano

        Feb 10, 2016 at 8:07 pm

        ANGC does seem to be a place where certain looks and certain players fall in and out of favor. They have their own drummer and they march to his beat.

        Reply Report comment

    • Ronald Montesano

      Feb 10, 2016 at 8:04 pm

      I think Hideki was resigned to a 2nd-place finish, to a degree, and was trying to secure that. Rickie gave him life with the tee ball on 17 and the poor pitch from behind the green. I think that Fowler’s inability to get up and down for par on either occasion (regulation and playoff) on 17 surprised me as much as the ball going through the green and into the water in regulation.

      Reply Report comment

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