Rickie Fowler Bio
Rick Yutaka Fowler (born December 13, 1988) is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour. He was the number one ranked amateur golfer in the world for 36 weeks in 2007 and 2008. On January 24, 2016, he reached a career high fourth in the Official World Golf Ranking following his victory in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. He is one of only four golfers to shoot 62 in a major championship, achieving the feat at the 2023 U.S. Open, played at the Los Angeles Country Club.
Early Life and Background
Rickie Fowler was born and raised in Murrieta, California. He attended Murrieta Valley High School, where he began to develop his skills as a golfer. For years, he played only on a driving range and is almost entirely self-taught. In his senior year of high school, Fowler won the SW League Final with a total score of 64-69=133 and led his team to the state final in 2007. After high school, Fowler attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, where he posted his first collegiate victory at the Fighting Illini Invitational hosted by the University of Illinois on October 1, 2007. He shot a score of 203 (70-63-70) to win the tournament by one stroke. In the summer of 2005, Fowler won the Western Junior and competed in the U.S. Amateur, where he was defeated by the eventual champion Richie Ramsay.
Path to Golf
Fowler’s amateur career was marked by several significant achievements. In 2006, he shot a 137 for two rounds at the U.S. Junior Amateur and was knocked out in the second round of match play. He represented the United States in its victory at the 2007 Walker Cup, finishing with a record of 3–1. In 2008, he repeated as Sunnehanna Amateur champion and was awarded the Ben Hogan Award. After turning professional in 2009, Fowler made his debut on the Nationwide Tour, where he had his first runner-up finish at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Invitational. He quickly transitioned to the PGA Tour, where he gained recognition for his talent and skill.
Rickie Fowler Career
Early Career (2009-2010)
In 2009, Fowler had a notable start to his professional career, finishing tied for seventh in his first PGA Tour event at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. He also finished tied for second at the Frys.com Open, showcasing his potential early on. In 2010, Fowler earned the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award, becoming the youngest U.S. Ryder Cup player of all time. His performances included a second-place finish at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and a tie for fifth at the Memorial Tournament.
Breakthrough (2011-2015)
Fowler’s breakthrough came in 2012 when he won the Wells Fargo Championship, marking his first PGA Tour victory. He continued to build on this success with multiple top finishes in major championships. In 2014, he finished tied for second at both the U.S. Open and The Open Championship, solidifying his status as a top competitor. His victory at The Players Championship in 2015 was a significant highlight, where he played the final six holes in 6-under par to claim the title.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Rickie Fowler has achieved several milestones, including winning a total of 10 professional tournaments, with six victories on the PGA Tour. He has consistently ranked among the top players in the world, with multiple top-5 finishes in major championships.
Rickie Fowler Award Nominations
Rickie Fowler has received numerous nominations throughout his career, including the prestigious PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award in 2010, which he won.
Rickie Fowler Awards Won
Fowler’s accolades include the Ben Hogan Award in 2008 and the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 2010.
Rickie Fowler Family
Rickie Fowler is married to Allison Stokke, a track and field athlete. The couple tied the knot in October 2019 and has two daughters together.
Personal Life
Fowler resides in Jupiter, Florida, having relocated from Las Vegas following the 2010 season. His middle name, Yutaka, comes from his maternal grandfather, who is Japanese, while his maternal grandmother is Navajo Native American. He is known for wearing orange on the final day of tournaments in honor of Oklahoma State University.
