Rickie Fowler delivered an impressive performance at the recent FedEx St Jude Championship held at TPC Southwind, securing a place within the top 50 players and reigniting hopes for his season. With a final round score of 69, Fowler positioned himself well for the upcoming BMW Championship, demonstrating renewed determination and skill against a challenging field.
Challenging Conditions at TPC Southwind and Competition Recap
The TPC Southwind course proved to be a demanding test throughout the tournament, with the winning score settling at a competitive -16. Ultimately, Justin Rose emerged as the winner after a tense playoff against J.J. Spaun, providing a dramatic conclusion to the event. While the course tested the players’ abilities rigorously, Fowler identified specific areas where TPC Southwind could improve to reach an elite standard in the future.
Fowler’s Reflections on Course Difficulties and Greens Condition
Fowler shared insight into the challenges he faced during his rounds. He noted that while he did not struggle to find fairways or greens, the difficulty came with putting after reaching the green. He also encountered specific setbacks, including dealing with a mud ball on the 10th hole and encountering a sand divot on the 13th, emphasizing how adaptive players must be under such conditions.
“I didn’t have too big of an issue hitting fairways and greens; it was once I got on them, making putts,”
—Rickie Fowler, Professional Golfer
The freshness of the greens also drew comment from Fowler, who appreciated how well they rolled for being newly installed. While he acknowledged some areas needing further maintenance, he expressed optimism about their ongoing improvement.
“There’s still some areas that need a couple good punch-and-sandings, but for being as new as they were, they were very good, and they’re only going to get better,”
—Rickie Fowler, Professional Golfer
Navigating Pressure and Strategy at a Crucial Point in the Season
Throughout the tournament, Fowler was keenly aware of the high stakes involved in maintaining his standing and qualifying for future events. He described TPC Southwind as a course demanding precise shot making and noted the fine margins separating success from failure.
“It was tough, especially at this place where it’s such a fine line. You have to hit the fairway, and it’s a tough little course,”
—Rickie Fowler, Professional Golfer
His strategic focus remained on keeping the ball in favorable positions on the course, aiming to secure an important finish inside the top 10 to advance his season objectives.
“I knew I needed to be inside the top 10… it was just trying to get the ball in the short grass any way we could,”
—Rickie Fowler, Professional Golfer
Outlook and Ambitions as the Season Advances
Reflecting on his season so far, Fowler expressed appreciation for the chances he has had, while also signaling determination to build on his progress and avoid complacency. His experience and recent results position him well as he prepares for the BMW Championship and eyes opportunities like the Ryder Cup.
“It was great to have a tee time in them this year… didn’t really want to bank on that for next year,”
—Rickie Fowler, Professional Golfer
With a renewed sense of purpose and the golf world watching closely, Fowler appears ready to make a significant impact in the closing stages of the season. His insights on the conditions at TPC Southwind, combined with his steady play, suggest both course and player are poised for continued growth.