Rickie Fowler hit back at a heckler (Image: PGA Tour/@CPowers14 (X))
Rickie Fowler had an angry response to a heckler during the Cognizant Classic at PGA National on Saturday, after missing a putt on the 16th hole. Despite this minor setback, Fowler, who is aiming for his first win since July 2023, finished with a strong three-under-par 68, putting him at an impressive 13-under for the week and just three strokes behind 54-hole leader Jake Knapp.
However, the day wasn’t without drama for the six-time tour champion, as he was forced to confront a spectator who mocked him after a missed putt. After narrowly missing his sixth birdie of the day at the 16th, Fowler responded to the heckler’s comments with a quick: “Of course you know.”
He then added, “That’s why you’re in the stands,” before sinking a par and going on to card pars on both the 17th and final hole.
Speaking after the round, the former world number four expressed hope that his familiarity with the course could give him an edge on the final day.
He explained: “I’ve played well a lot of times around here, and having won here, I know what I need to do. I’ve had a lot of good stuff the first two days, and good way to fight through it today. Looking forward to picking up where we were the first two days and playing well tomorrow and giving ourselves a chance.”
Rickie Fowler in action. (Image: Getty)
For Fowler, securing a victory now would be particularly sweet, as he has just faced the slight of missing out on an invite to the forthcoming Arnold Palmer Invitational. This omission leaves , following a difficult year for Fowler.
The challenging decision was illuminated by none other than Sam Saunders, Arnold Palmer’s grandson, during an interview earlier in the week with Golfweek.
“What our team did was try to pick players that, you know, it’s about protecting and growing the game of golf as a whole. And doing what’s the most balanced and fair process,” Saunders told Golfweek. The meticulous selection process involved careful consideration, he explained: “Honestly, I think there was a lot of thought put into each and every player that was selected.
“At the end of the day, it’s who’s getting the ball in the hole the fastest that are the ones who get the opportunities. You can’t make everybody happy with exemptions. So you try to just do it as fair and balanced as possible.”
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