Rickie Fowler came close to securing a spot in the PGA Tour Championship with a strong showing at the BMW Championship, but a late setback ended his chances. Fowler’s journey to the event was marked by a critical performance at the FedEx St. Jude Classic, where he moved from 64th to 48th in the FedEx Cup standings, barely making the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
The 36-year-old golfer from California showed resilience under pressure, notably on Sunday at the St. Jude, where key putts propelled him up the leaderboard. His clutch birdie on the 15th hole and a par save on the 17th were pivotal in moving him closer to the Top 50 cutoff needed to advance.
Strong Position at BMW Championship Quickly Faltered
Entering the BMW Championship in 48th place, Fowler needed a solid tournament to break into the Top 30 and claim a spot in the season-ending Tour Championship. Initially, he improved on his position, even moving within striking distance of the lead after a birdie on the 13th hole.
His standing inside the top five placed him well to gather sufficient FedEx Cup points; however, a bogey on the 14th hole narrowed his margin for error. The tournament held high stakes as advancing beyond the Top 30 is necessary for Tour Championship qualification.
Critical Mistake on the Back Nine Seals Fowler’s Fate
Fowler’s round unraveled at the 15th hole despite a strong tee shot that landed perfectly in the fairway. His approach shot overshot the green, and after receiving relief from the stands, he struggled with his chip shots, sending one far past the hole. Failing to sink the bogey putt, he instead carded a double bogey, a costly mistake in the closing stretch.
Following that setback, Fowler failed to capitalize on easier holes. On the par-5 16th, often the easiest hole on the course, he managed only a par instead of a birdie. His tee shot on the par-3 17th narrowly avoided water, but he saved par. These outcomes left him needing a birdie on the final hole to stay in contention.
The final hole did not go Fowler’s way, as a missed birdie putt ultimately ended his run, eliminating him from qualifying for the PGA Tour Championship despite finishing in the top 10 of the BMW Championship leaderboard.
The Significance of Fowler’s Missed Opportunity
Rickie Fowler’s collapse at the BMW Championship was a harsh blow, especially given his history as a consistent presence among the PGA Tour’s leading players. Since turning professional in 2009, Fowler has been a regular in high-profile tournaments, including multiple Tour Championship appearances. However, his performance decline has been noticeable in recent years, with only a single appearance at East Lake since 2019.
Though the final results were disappointing, Fowler’s determination throughout the FedEx Cup playoffs and his near breakthrough in Memphis captured the attention of fans and reminded many why he remains a compelling figure within the sport. His ability to contend under pressure and climb standings quickly showcased his enduring talent, even if the ultimate goal remained just out of reach.