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PGA Tour: Rickie Fowler Assesses Year, Plans for 2016

By Kathlene Bissell

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Rickie Fowler is in the perfect location to start his 2016: Las Vegas. The reason it’s perfect for him is that Vegas is HQ for Butch Harmon who works with Fowler on his game.

Like many Harmon students, Fowler has seen an upswing in his on-course performance, including winning The PLAYERS earlier this year, since working with Harmon.

“I started a little bit behind the 8-ball last year with not playing many events until the start of the real calendar year, and so with China being really the only one that I had planned on, with it being a World Golf Championship, I wanted to try and fit at least one more in, and I’ve always enjoyed playing in Vegas,” Fowler said via PGA Tour, “I lived here for a year, and just felt like it was a good place to come and be able to spend some time with Butch (Harmon).”

Fowler challenged in the majors in 2014, finishing second at the U.S. Open and British Open. While he did not have good opportunities in the majors in 2015, it is where he wants to be in 2016.

“The main goal is to win a major and to continue winning,” he said. “I didn’t get off to the greatest of starts last year, but definitely capitalized when I put myself in position to win. A lot of positives, but still want to continue to get better.”

He said he was looking for a more consistent game overall. However, working with Harmon has helped him.

“I feel like with the golf swing I know what I’m bringing to the course. Things are efficient, a lot less feel-oriented,” he explained. “If I’m not hitting it the way I want to, things are easier to fix. It’s minor changes.”

Fowler also said playing well in 2014 and then winning The PLAYERS this year gave him confidence going forward. His shots to the 17th at the TPC Sawgrass in The PLAYERS this year certainly prove that he has no fear.

Fowler also talked about his health being key to his success. He was plagued by back problems in 2012.

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Regarding his 2016 plans, he said, “Last year was the least I’ve played throughout the year, so still kind of tweaking my schedule year to year. I’ll probably play a little bit more this year going into the ’16 season, but yeah, the time management side is big. You don’t want to play too much but you don’t want to play too little.”

Learning how to manage his time is a challenge he has been working through.

“I don’t think you can ever perfect it,” he said. “Even Phil (Mickelson) kind of still changes his schedule around. But time management is a big part of playing well out here, when to play, when not to play, and how much off course to do.”

As a fan favorite, Fowler is much in demand by golf fans at every tournament where he plays. So there are even more demands on his time from them. However, he embraces it and loves being recognized by youngsters.

“Whether I’m having a good day or bad day out there, seeing young fans or any fans in general wearing the Puma gear and showing support, it just makes me realize and appreciate what I get to do and what I am doing,” he said about his fan base. “But also, yeah, it’s cool to be in a position where kids do look up to me and I have a chance to be a role model and potentially have a chance to have a positive influence on kids’ lives.”

Next: Melissa Reid Vies for Women's Indian Open Title

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