Rickie Fowler prepared for career year in 2018
Rickie Fowler has proven the doubters wrong throughout his career – and now he’s ready to take it to the next level in 2018.
Overrated. Can’t “finish out on Sundays”. Comparisons to the Kardashians. Too colorful for golf. There’s not much in the way of criticism that Rickie Fowler hasn’t heard, but his PGA TOUR record, and some obvious personal growth along the way, have put most of that in the past. However, that doesn’t mean the 28-year-old is satisfied yet. Coming off one of the best seasons in his career to date, he’s ready to open a new chapter.
No, that doesn’t mean putting the all-orange Puma gear away. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Think back to four years ago, when Rickie was in contention deep into Sunday at each of 2014’s majors. Fowler has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years, and while he still reps his alma mater, it’s grown along with him.
While the monochrome outfits and flowing locks have been retired, Fowler is intensely focused on proving all those doubters wrong. The trip began last week at the OHL Classic at Mayakoba, but the goals are only going to get bigger as the calendar turns over.
That doesn’t diminish this past week in Mexico, by any means. In fact, it’s likely the basis of everything Fowler has planned for the new year. While his run at Mayakoba fell just short, it was just a taste of what we’re going to see in the new year.
One of the things Fowler did best last season was picking his spots, and he’ll continue along that path in 2018. He could have played his usual slate of Asian swing events. Instead he’ll make just one more start – the Hero World Challenge – before the end of 2017.
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“I wanted to look at this fall and winter as a time to create an offseason,” Fowler said last Wednesday. “Enjoy the relaxation and get some time in the gym to get ready to go in January.”
There are two ways to success on the PGA TOUR these days, and both are valid. You can be a road warrior, playing 30-plus events to maximize your chances. Or you can play to peak, like Fowler is, and aim for success in the events that can define an entire career in one week.
It’s a proven strategy, but for most players, it’s also one that doesn’t offer enough chances to cash a paycheck. Thankfully, that’s not Fowler’s primary concern anymore. With over $6 million in winnings last year, and nearly $31 million in his career, Fowler has a chance to define his career legacy.
Don’t expect him to take that lightly.