Rickie Fowler talks about taking part in the Sanderson Farms Championship and life as a father of a new child and a two-year-old daughter throughout a information convention on the Nation Membership of Jackson in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Rickie Fowler hasn’t performed a golf event for the reason that Open Championship, taking 2 1/2 months off from competitors.
Fowler — who completed the common season outdoors the highest 100 within the FedEx Cup standings — was already unlikely to make the 70-man playoffs earlier than selecting to skip the Wyndham Championship, the regular-season finale. However a part of that call might be chalked as much as a rising household. Fowler and his spouse Allison welcomed their second little one in August.
With the playoffs and a gradual September (one PGA Tour occasion plus the Presidents Cup) within the rearview, Fowler is hitting the hyperlinks once more at this week’s Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson, Miss. He was requested Tuesday how he feels his recreation is true now.
“I imply, as rusty as I might be with the 2 little ones at dwelling, nevertheless it was undoubtedly good,” Fowler stated. “Like I discussed, we do not get an entire lot of downtime if you’re taking part in by way of full seasons. To be there sleeping in the identical mattress for an prolonged time period, no, it feels good to have that point off, type of refresh, rebuild a bit. Excited to come back again out.”
Fowler additionally plans to play the Shriners Youngsters’s Open in Las Vegas and the Zozo Championship outdoors Tokyo later this month.
“I suppose the final month and a half or so I’ve gotten again extra into engaged on the sport and on the brink of come right here,” he stated. “It was odd packing, again to life on the street. Sometimes touring with the household, it made extra sense to come back solo. … Nevertheless it’ll be good, they are going to be with me for Vegas arising.”
Fowler stated he goals to shake off a few of that rust this week, however later clarified that that is not his solely objective.
“It was a enjoyable (event) to have the ability to add. Like I stated, I would not be coming right here simply to work on issues or shake off rust. I got here right here feeling like I used to be in a great spot and may go play some good golf,” Fowler stated.
Within the second of eight occasions within the FedEx Cup Fall, the stakes are excessive for a lot of golfers on tour, although Fowler is protected from doubtlessly shedding his card. As a result of Fowler gained the Rocket Mortgage Traditional in July 2023, he earned an automated two-year exemption on tour.
“Fortunately for me, having gained final yr, I am protected on sure issues, however there’s undoubtedly issues for me to play for,” Fowler stated. “Clearly to win and put myself in a greater scenario, get myself again in a great spot world ranking-wise, finally keep inside high 125, be in The Gamers (Championship). Lots to play for, however on the identical time, it isn’t life or dying.
“For me coming off that little bit of downtime and refreshed and able to go, I am trying ahead to taking part in properly and type of constructing a bit of bit higher platform than the place I used to be final yr and put myself in a greater place to have a bit of extra pleasure, construct some momentum and confidence going into the ‘25 season.”
–Area Stage Media