Jason Day and Rickie Fowler showed class where Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy could not

Rickie Fowler and Jason Day brought joy to many fans at Pinehurst No. 2 by signing countless autographs. These two golfers, popular among enthusiasts, took time to interact with fans during the practice rounds ahead of the 124th U.S. Open in North Carolina. The event has seen participation from players across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and amateur ranks, all keen to fine-tune their skills for the year’s third major. However, most players have been intensely focused on their game, often bypassing fan interactions in their quest for any possible advantage on the course.

At the practice area, eager children and fans clamored for autographs, creating a bustling atmosphere. One father expressed the fans’ fervor, saying, “They don’t care who you are, they’ve been standing all day. Give them something!” Despite the tense ambiance among players, the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler chose to concentrate solely on their preparations, much to the disappointment of many onlookers.

In contrast, Fowler and Day stood out by engaging with every fan who called out to them, providing memorable moments on the eve of the tournament. Fowler, a crowd favorite known for his distinctive orange outfits, has had a challenging 2024 season. He finished tied for 30th and 63rd at the Masters and the PGA Championship, respectively, and recently missed the cut at the Memorial Tournament. Despite his popularity and past success, including a career-high ranking of fourth in January 2016, Fowler has yet to clinch a major title.

Jason Day, another fan favorite, has also had a modest season. He tied for 30th alongside Fowler at the Masters and finished 43rd at Valhalla in the previous month. Both Fowler and Day’s willingness to connect with fans set them apart at Pinehurst, providing a bright spot in an otherwise intense lead-up to the U.S. Open.