Rickie Fowler’s Masters return proves LIV Golf snub was right

Rickie Fowler is set to make his long-awaited return to the prestigious Masters tournament after a three-year absence, marking a remarkable resurgence in his career. The American golfer faced a significant downturn, plummeting to 160th place on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) list in 2022. This decline saw him miss out on three consecutive trips to Augusta National, a bitter pill for someone who had once been ranked in the top five globally back in 2016.

However, the dawn of the 2023 season witnessed Fowler reclaiming his championship form, culminating in a triumphant victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in July, his first PGA Tour title in over four years. This win served as a catalyst for his resurgence, propelling him up the rankings and earning him a coveted spot at the upcoming Masters tournament.

Reflecting on his absence from previous Augusta tournaments, Fowler candidly admitted that it was a disappointing experience. Yet, his determination to climb back up the world rankings provided him with a glimmer of hope, knowing that he would once again compete in major tournaments, including Augusta.

Fowler’s return to the Masters signifies a redemption of sorts, as he won’t have to settle for watching live streams on his phone this time around. His previous disappointments at missing out on majors likely influenced his decision to reject the lure of LIV Golf, a new venture backed by Saudi Arabia.

While many expected Fowler to follow in the footsteps of players like Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm by joining LIV Golf, he opted to remain loyal to the PGA Tour. In a recent episode of Full Swing, Fowler reiterated his commitment to the Tour, emphasizing that he plays for the thrill of competition rather than simply chasing a paycheck.

Indeed, staying with the PGA Tour ensures Fowler’s participation in major tournaments, as LIV Golf does not offer OWGR points. Consequently, several players from the breakaway circuit, including Talor Gooch, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood, will miss out on the opportunity to vie for the coveted green jacket at Augusta.

Fowler’s journey back to the Masters serves as a testament to his resilience and determination to reclaim his position among the world’s elite golfers. As he prepares to tee off at Augusta once again, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his renewed form and competitive spirit on the hallowed grounds of the Masters tournament.