Would Rickie Fowler’s Decision To Join LIV Golf Tarnish His Reputation?

Rickie Fowler added fuel to the LIV Golf Series’ fire when he met with the media on Monday at Southern Hills.

The former Oklahoma State University Cowboy is busy with preparations for this week’s 104th PGA Championship at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Rickie Fowler met with the media for the first time this week and along with updates on the state of his game and mental preparations for this week’s Major Championship, Fowler added something to the conversation that would have been less expected.

When asked about the LIV Golf Tour and whether or not he had been approached by the Saudi backed competition, Rickie Fowler had this to say:

"“Yeah, I have. To be straightforward with you guys, I haven’t necessarily made a decision one way or the other. I’ve mentioned in the past, do I currently think that the PGA Tour is the best place to play? I do. Do I think it can be better? Yes.”"

The question posed to Fowler before this week’s Major was somewhat surprising given the 33-year-old’s reputation since turning professional back in 2010, and given the fact that up to this point the majority of those interested in grabbing the Saudi money have been further along in their careers than Rickie.

However surprising the question may have been, it was Rickie’s response that was even more so. I’m not sure many would have expected Fowler to be amongst the contingent of players interested in defying the PGA’s rules and joining the competition.

Competition, that was another point that Rickie Fowler made reference to during the same conversation on Monday.

"“These tours or leagues or whatever — however you want to classify or call them, they wouldn’t really be coming up if they didn’t see that there was more opportunity out there. I’ve always looked at competition being a good thing. It’s the driving force of our game. You know, being able to have games with guys at home, that’s how I always grew up is competing. I think competition ultimately makes people better, whether it’s business, sport,” Fowler added."

This would seemingly suggest that the nine-time career winner is very much debating his options. If he were to elect to leave the PGA Tour for the rival LIV Golf series he would be presumably joining a list of players that already includes, Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, and Louis Oosthuizen, who had reportedly filed for a release.

It is believed that the vast amount of money that is being offered is the driving force behind players wanting to flock to the new competition. Certainly, golf commentator Luke Elvy is of that opinion after taking to Twitter in early May.

The big question that should be asked of Rickie Fowler is if money is the motivating factor behind his perceived interest in joining LIV Golf, is it worth it if the decision tarnishes the reputation of one of the game’s most popular and beloved players?. Would the decision to leave the PGA regardless of the ramifications even stain his reputation at all?.

This is all assuming that Rickie Fowler does indeed make that decision, and at this moment he has certainly not committed to either side having only stated that he is open to all possibilities. The one thing that he did make certain of, however, is that even more eyes than normal will be on him at this week’s PGA Championship. If that is something that is even possible.

Regardless of this week’s comments, Rickie is still certain to have plenty of support this week from the local fans as they cheer him on in the hope that he can get back to his very best and compete for the Wanamaker trophy at Southern Hills.