5. 14.2012

fowler and fans ‘brimming’ with success

rickie fowler didn’t win the players, but his gutsy t- 2 finish removed any “fluke”
label some might have wanted to hang on his victory at the wells fargo champion-
ship. it does seem as if the likable 23-year-old has turned a corner and figured out
this sunday thing, a bugaboo throughout the first two years of his pga tour career.
there was also another thing in clear evidence on the stadium course at tpc saw-
grass, and that is that fowler is one of the most popular players on tour, especially
among kids, who were everywhere sporting rickie-style flat-brim hats in a multi-
tude of bright colors. “i love seeing it, especially the little kids running around with
my hat on that is kind of flopping around, slightly large for them,” fowler said. “i get
a laugh out of it and feel honored when 40- or 50-year-old guys are cruising around
in all orange,” he said. “it’s fun. they don’t care what other people think. they’re just
out supporting and rocking the orange.” the way fowler followed his win in char-
lotte not with a letdown but a runner-up finish makes you think those fans will have
plenty to cheer about down the road. —R.S.