National Basketball Association

Rickie Fowler plays 36 holes with Michael Jordan to prep for Honda Classic

Published Feb. 24, 2016 12:51 p.m. ET

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Rickie Fowler has been moving up in the Official World Golf Rankings, and maybe now we know the secret to his success.

Michael Jordan.

"It's a great way to prep because he's one of the greatest competitors in the world," Fowler told USA Today on Wednesday during his pro-am round at PGA National.

It's not the first time Fowler and Jordan have tee'd it up together -- the two often play together at The Bear's Club and Medalist, where they are both members.

While Fowler wouldn't disclose the stakes of Tuesday's round, he admitted it was more than merely a gentleman's bet.

"Of course there was something on the line. The juices were flowing," said Fowler, who has four worldwide wins in the past nine months. "I compare it to the money games on Tuesday with Phil. You have to be on your toes and there is pressure.

"Plus you're playing with MJ. It can't get any better than that."

Fowler, who is coming off a playoff loss to Hideki Matsuyama in the Waste Management Phoenix Open, is grouped with Sergio Garcia and Davis Love III in the first round of the Honda Classic. The group is scheduled to tee off at 12:35 p.m. ET on Thursday.