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Rickie Fowler’s Hawaiian fashion statement was fitting and fun

By Brandon Raper

LAHAINA, HI - JANUARY 04: Rickie Fowler of the United States reacts on the 14th green during the first round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions at Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club on January 4, 2018 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI - JANUARY 04: Rickie Fowler of the United States reacts on the 14th green during the first round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions at Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club on January 4, 2018 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Rickie Fowler rose to worldwide fame as much for his fashion sense as his golf game. He continues to bring new twists at the Sentry Tournament of Champions.

Rickie Fowler has grown immensely in his years on the PGA TOUR. Early in his career, he was thought of as little more than a long-haired, orange-clad child. Think Justin Timberlake in the early N*Sync years. Today, Fowler has proven his abilities, and much like JT, is looked at as a multi-talented star. Of course, that doesn’t mean he can’t still have a little fun with his gear.

In the opening round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions on Thursday, Fowler went into full Hawaii mode. The team at Puma hooked up the 29-year-old with a blue, button-front shirt and a cap with a pattern to match. Here’s a closer look:

Listen, I know what some of you, perhaps most of you, are thinking. This is conduct unbecoming of a professional golfer in official competition. He clearly has no respect for those who came before him, or even his highly-paid job, right? Well, not so much.

First, remember, this is Kapalua and not Augusta National. There are 34-players in a winners-onluy, no-cut event. Playing in Hawaii. In January. Frankly, I’m surprised we don’t see more of this in action. And it’s not like there’s a rule against it, either.

"Does the PGA TOUR have a dress code or appearance standard?The PGA TOUR Player’s policy states that, “players shall present a neat appearance in both clothing and personal grooming. Clothing worn by players shall be consistent with currently accepted golf fashion.” Golf attire and fashion is always changing and evolving. T-shirts, jeans, or shorts (for players) are considered inappropriate. Our officials monitor player appearance for violations while allowing players to express their own personal styles."

Moving style forward, on and off the golf course

One of my biggest pet peeves is this idea that somehow survives into 2018, that golf needs to be this formal affair. Letting players exhibit their own style, especially when the atmosphere of the event fits, should be encouraged. And it’s not like many other guys could have pulled off the look as well as Rickie, either.

This week, Fowler perfectly toed the line between bold and tacky. Keeping the getup tightly tailored and somewhat monochromatic, he avoided looking like a tourist who visited a dollar store, and more like a model on the course.

Facing a five-stroke deficit entering Sunday’s finale, we’ll have to wait and see whether he makes another bold choice in the wardrobe department. “I don’t think there’s any floral,” Fowler said. “There will definitely be some orange, though.”

Next: Where will Tiger Woods play in 2018?

For reference, this is not a sponsored post. If you’re like me and interested in checking out some of Rickie’s island gear for yourself, take a look at Puma’s “Aloha” line here.

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