PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Rickie Fowler knows one way to help Tiger Woods return to form: take his money.
Fowler, who moved to nearby Jupiter five years ago, said he hoped to catch up with Woods at Medalist Golf Club soon for a money game.
“See if I can get into his wallet or something, help get him ready,” Fowler said with a laugh.
Fowler, the 26-year-old adrenaline junkie who’s fond of flat-billed caps, frequently texts another all-time great, Michael Jordan, for friendly games at The Bear’s Club.
“Getting in his wallet, that’s success right there,” Fowler said. “But unfortunately, the past couple times he’s taken care of business with me.”
When it comes to Fowler’s real job, business has been slow.
In three starts this year – two on the PGA Tour and a European Tour event in Abu Dhabi – Fowler’s best finish is a T-46 in Phoenix. Fowler concedes he probably could’ve prepared a bit better in the offseason, but he wanted to enjoy some time off after a long, successful season.
“It’s a little unfortunate that there isn’t an actual offseason now,” he said.
With the Masters only six weeks away, Fowler said the time has come to buckle down. He spent quality time with instructor Butch Harmon last week. After assessing last year’s stats, Fowler saw the need to get better from 150 yards and in. (He ranked 137th in that category last season.) Now, he’s simply getting back in the swing of things.
The undisputed highlight of 2014 for Fowler was that he placed in the top 5 at every major. At the U.S. Open and Open Championship he tied for second, running into buzzsaws named Martin Kaymer and Rory McIlroy, respectively. Kaymer won by eight at Pinehurst, and McIlroy cruised from a six-stroke lead after three rounds at Royal Liverpool.
“There’s not a whole lot you can do when guys go out and distance themselves like that,” Fowler said. “It doesn’t happen very often.”
That being said, Fowler goes into 2015 hoping to reverse roles.
“Maybe I’ll be able to be a buzzsaw,” he said.
Fowler is making his sixth consecutive start at the Honda Classic this week and has finished in the top 25 during the past three showings at PGA National Resort & Spa's Champion Course.
“The course is in great shape,” Fowler said. “Rough is thick, greens are good, so it’s going to be a good test of golf. Hopefully we stay away from some of the rain.”
With Woods’ short game in shambles, top-ranked McIlroy said he doesn’t feel any extra pressure to be the face of the game. He points to the next generation – his peers – and declares the game to be in good hands.
“With the likes of Jordan (Spieth) and Rickie and myself and Hideki (Matsuyama) ... I don’t feel like there’s any extra pressure on me or anyone else to carry the game forward,” McIlroy said. “I think it’s going to be just fine.”
Fowler said his best chance last year to do something special came on the back nine of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. But he didn’t make the key putts down the stretch.
With McIlroy finishing in the top two in five of his last six starts worldwide, the task ahead won’t be easy for the 12th-ranked Fowler.
“When he’s driving the ball well,” Fowler said, “that’s when he’s deadliest.”
