Over the past weekend, professional golfer Rickie Fowler showcased a commendable performance at the Cognizant Classic, finishing tied for 18th spot at 12-under par. However, Fowler’s efforts fell short of securing him a place at the forthcoming Arnold Palmer Invitational. This was due to an unexpected decision by event organizers who chose not to extend a sponsor’s exemption to the golfer, a move that called for a stronger finish from Fowler to qualify.
Fowler’s hopes of securing a berth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational were dashed during the final round on Sunday, where he scored a disappointing 1-over 72, pushing him down the leaderboard. Despite the setback, Fowler’s time at the Cognizant Classic was most noted for an event during Saturday’s third round at PGA National.
Following Fowler’s miss of an extensive birdie putt, a spectator took the opportunity to mock the golfer, claiming to know that the putt would break more. In a rare departure from his typical composed demeanor on the green, Fowler retorted to the heckler, “Of course you know… that is why you are in the stands.” This exchange was captured on video and quickly went viral, making rounds on the internet until Monday morning.
However, the video was abruptly taken down from all social media platforms with a message stating, “This media has been disabled in response to a report by the copyright owner.” The party responsible for this move was none other than the PGA Tour, known for their stringent control over video footage during tournaments. While some might perceive this action as an attempt to protect the reputation of both Fowler and the PGA Tour, there’s a contrasting perspective that sees value in such exchanges.
The said video clip portrays professional golfers as human, susceptible to emotional reactions when their performance is ridiculed. Fowler’s reaction to missing a crucial putt that could have improved his standing is understandable. Golf enthusiasts can relate to, and respect the former Oklahoma State Cowboy for showing that he truly cares about his performance.
In the coming weekend, Fowler is set to compete at The PLAYERS at TPC Sawgrass, a venue that holds fond memories for the golfer. It’s at this very location that Fowler clinched the most significant victory of his career, winning The PLAYERS back in 2015. As he aims to recreate that triumph and ascend the FedEx Cup standings, golf fans are eager to see what unfolds.