that rickie fowler is among the featured golfers in the new masters-themed video game from
ea sports implies he has a certain familiarity with
augusta national gc. truth be told, the 22-year-old
hadn’t played the actual course until last week (when
he got a round in with phil mickelson) and appreciates the challenge he faces as a masters rookie. “it’s
not an easy golf course to just go out and learn,”
fowler said monday. “it takes some time.” still, you
get the feeling fowler will settle in just fine this week.
maybe it’s his california cool. maybe it’s the flamboyant wardrobe. maybe it’s the success he’s already
had since turning pro in 2009 (pga tour rookie of
the year, u.s. ryder cup team member). whatever
the reason, fowler exudes a confidence that suggests big things are to come and a calmness that
indicates he can handle them. and to think had he
not turned pro, he would be a senior playing for the
oklahoma state team, a group he’s still close enough
to that he spent sunday watching the cowboys
play in a college event in augusta. life has certainly
changed for fowler, but it doesn’t seem to be moving
too fast. those of you looking for the first masters
rookie to win since fuzzy zoeller in 1979 could do
worse than pick fowler. —R.H.
02rickie fowler
ap photo/chris o’meara
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