Rickie Fowler four off the lead at Miracle Classic
At the final event on the PGA Tour schedule, Rickie Fowler could yet claim a first Tour victory in his rookie season.
The 21-year-old lies in third place in Florida following yesterday's opening round, trailing clubhouse leader Chris Stroud by four strokes.
With play at the Children's Miracle Network Classic divided between Disney's Palm and Magnolia courses, Fowler carded eight birdies and a couple of bogeys at the Palm Course golf to come home six-under-par 66.
A fine round, though it wasn't enough to match Stroud, who led when play was brought to a close because of falling darkness, shooting a sparkling 10-under 62. That left 14 players who are yet to complete their first round.
Stroud is still looking for his first win on the PGA Tour, but with an opener that featured 10 birdies and not a single dropped shot, the 28-year-old has at least given himself a decent shot this week. Roland Thatcher, another US player yet to win on the USA's premier tour is in second place on seven-under.
With many of the game's bigger names otherwise engaged this week, the Lake Buena Vista event offers those players on the cusp of the top 125 on the money list a final chance to remain exempt from the need to qualify in order to rejoin the tour next year. Robert Garrigus is off to a decent start; currently ranked 122nd on the list, he is tied for 14th place after coming home four-under yesterday.
Another player on the bubble is Troy Merritt. Currently 121st on the list, Merritt finished three-under yesterday, and is tied for 32nd place, while current 125th on the money list Troy Matteson was two-under and tied for 46th place.
But it's Fowler who commands the attention. Now a Ryder Cup campaigner who put in a decent shift at Celtic Manor in October, the colourfully-dressed Californian also has two second place finishes this year in the USA and is ranked No. 28 in the world.
With several of Europe's top golfers opting to give the premier American tour a swerve next year, and Tiger Woods (and, after a difficult season, possibly Phil Mickelson) less than guaranteed to light up the fairways next year, how PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem would love to see the exciting youngster take victory this week.
If only to give jaded US golf fans someone to get excited about next year, after a tough year for the Americans.
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