Rickie Fowler has long been one of the most popular players not only on the PGA Tour, but in the world.
He’s won five times on Tour, including the 2015 Players at TPC Sawgrass, and has represented the United States in seven team events: 2010, ’14, ’16 and ’18 Ryder Cups, and 2015, ’17 and ’19 Presidents Cups.
However, like many players, Fowler went through a rut.
During the 2020-21 season, Fowler missed nine cuts in 24 events and finished inside the top 10 once. In 22 events during the 2021-22 season, Fowler missed nine cuts and finished inside the top 10 once.
But thanks to a return to Butch Harmon, Fowler has found his game.
So far this season, Fowler has missed just two cuts in 19 starts and has finished inside the top 10 seven times.
What’s been the difference maker?
Well, everything.
Here’s a complete look at Fowler’s statistical difference between his 2021-22 campaign and this season.
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
2021-2022: 114th (-.022)
2022-2023: 64th (+.174)
Strokes Gained: Approach
2021-2022: 150th (-.161)
2022-2023: 7th (+.745)
Strokes Gained: Around the Green
2021-2022: 31st (+.274)
2022-2023: 25th (+.299)
Strokes Gained: Tee to Green
2021-2022: 101st (+.092)
2022-2023: 12th (+1.311)
Strokes Gained: Putting
2021-2022: 161st (-.253)
2022-2023: 48th (+.323)
After a few tough years on the greens, Fowler ditched his Scotty Cameron blade for a mallet-style putter from Odyssey. It’s been so good, Wyndham Clark asked to have one made to the exact specs as Fowler’s. Clark won the U.S. Open last month with it.
