Waste Management Phoenix Open: Power Rankings

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 05: Rickie Fowler reacts after making his birdie putt on the 16th green during the final round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale on February 5, 2017 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

It’s been close, but no cigar for Rickie Fowler at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The orange-clad golfer has come to TPC Scottsdale every year since 2010 and has three top-fives but no wins to show for it.

In 2016, Fowler was overcome by Hideki Matsuyama in a playoff and in ’17 Fowler shot a final round 65 two shots out of the marathon Matsuyama-Webb Simpson playoff.

Fowler seems destined to prevail here someday, and his ability to stack birdies will continue to make him a favorite. He’s fifth on the young season in birdie average and 39th in strokes gained putting. He had a tough time at last week’s Farmers Insurance Open giving himself many good birdie looks with his irons, but less punishing rough and more generous greens should put his trust putter in hand more often.

A personable player like Fowler thrives off of the energy at the 16th hole and beyond. He also grew accustomed to desert golf growing up near those climes in Southern California.

“A little bit of everything,” Fowler said during the 2017 tournament. “I have played well in the desert since I was a junior golfer. Being here, I like the golf course. It’s fun to play. If you get it going, drive it well, you can make a lot of birdies.”

Before his first missed cut last week at Torrey Pines since the FedEx St. Jude Classic in May, Fowler tied for fourth at the Sentry Tournament of Champions and won the Hero World Challenge in December.

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