Rickie Fowler fumbles final round after promising US Open start

June 19, 2023
342 views

LOS ANGELES — For the past three days, this looked like Rickie Fowler’s week, his U.S. Open, his first major championship to win.

Then came Sunday.

The final round of the 123rd U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club turned a dream week into a nightmare for Fowler, who opened the day tied for the lead and closed it five shots behind winner Wyndham Clark after shooting a 5-over-par 75 to finish tied for fifth.

“I just didn’t have it today,’’ Fowler said. “[My] iron play was very below average and didn’t make anything [putts]. That’s a big thing in majors, especially on a Sunday. Making putts and kind of keeping it fairly stress-free. It was kind of the opposite. I was kind of fighting through it all day.’’

This was a renaissance week of sorts for Fowler, who hasn’t won in four years and had played in only three majors in the past four years because his world ranking had fallen so low.

He shot 62 in the first round and was tied for the lead with Xander Schauffele and had a piece of the lead for all three days leading up to Sunday.

It was Rickie Fowler’s game to lose until Sunday at the U.S. Open. Getty Images

“I was just really excited on how I felt this week, how comfortable I felt to go out and back up my first round and continue to play well,’’ Fowler said. “I enjoyed it. You learn from all your experiences. Not the position I wanted to be in after today, but a lot of good coming from this week.

“As much as it sucks to not be in the position I wanted to be after today, we’re just continuing to build and continuing to move forward. I definitely think we’re heading the right direction. It’s been nice to be back and have chances in tournaments or at least getting solid finishes and turning weeks that maybe not having my best stuff and maybe finish top 20 or top 10 or whatever it may be.’’

Rick Fowler hugs U.S. Open winner Wyndham Clark on Sunday. Getty Images

This was Fowler’s 13th top 10 in a major championship and ninth top five — all without a win.

“I feel like I get more out of those weeks knowing that when I do have my good stuff, I know I can go in and go toe-to-toe with anyone.’’ He said. “We had a lot of good stuff this week. Unfortunately, today we just couldn’t get it going. The last 10, 12 months has been great. I’m heading the right direction, and we’re still going forward and up.’’

Source: New York Post