Rickie Fowler; a shining star
Rick Yutaka Fowler is the name of the player who has qualified the team of 12 men with the help of the wild card being handed over to him by the captain. If someone fails to recognize the name then here is the easy tip; he is an American, he was born in California and he is the third youngest player to represent America in the Ryder Cup.
The player was born on December 13, 1988 which makes him 21 years of age. His early schooling was at Murrieta Valley High School after which he attended the Oklahoma state university.
He is the son of Rod Fowler and Lynne Fowler. His father was a moto cross racer and it was him that inspired the young Rickie to race the streets on his dirt bike but when he turned 14, he sold it in exchange of a golf cart. Ever since, he has not looked back. Rickie Fowler’s mother is Japanese and it is she who gets the credit for Rickie’s green eyes and olive skin. This chap standing at 5 feet 9 inches is currently dating Alexandra Browne who happens to be an Asian as well. He met her on his way to a tour in Ohio.
He started playing golf at the age of 13 and in 2006 he posted a score of 137 strokes at the US Junior Amateur but got defeated in the third round. This was very his first top 5 finish while still being in junior years. As for his amateur career, he made his debut in a tournament that was hosted by the University of Illinois. There he posted a score of 70-63-70 in the three rounds session and won by one stroke. This was 2007, and the same year Rickie was given the title of number one amateur golfer of 2007 which he held till 2008.
To make his swings better Rickie started working with Barry McDonnell who coached him and ever since he is the only coach with the player. According to Rickie Fowler, Barry has taught him everything he knows today, from the old school to the modern day mechanics. He further added, that Barry has been his inspiration as he always recommended him to play with a feel rather than then a modern pair of clubs.
2007 brought a huge change for the player when he made a cut in his first Walker cup. He recorded a foursome victory with his playing partner Billy Horschel. Later that year he won the Sunnehanna Amateur followed by the Players amateur.
In 2008 he made the cut in US open 2008 and finished in 7thplace. The same year he contested for the Eisenhower Trophy and finished second. Moreover in the next year he made a cut in the Walker cup and won the foursomes with a lead of seven points.
This 21-year-old american turned professional in 2010, however he holds credits which no other player has ever achieved. He became the first player in history to be the NCAA's Player of the Year while he was still a freshman in school. Moreover he is known as the fastest player in golf as he got the PGA Tour card in one year which is a record in itself.
Currently Rickie Fowler is the third youngest player on the United States Ryder Cup team . According to media reports he is the wisest choice made by the Captain. Talking to the press Fowler said that he was very excited over the fact that he was going to play next to the biggest golfers of the world. He further added that he would make sure that he brings in a lot of energy and enthusiasm in the team. Rickie Fowler will be flying to Wales to participate in the Ryder Cup which will be a battle between the European and the American players. Only few days are left in the first week of October which means it is time to say, best of luck Rickie.
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