4 weeks agoRickie Fowler has made many starts at PGA National in his career. His run in the 2010s was as spectacular as any player could hope for at a single event over 10 years, especially one as unforgiving as the Champion Course. Racking up a win in 2017, a T2 in 2019, two top 10s, and a top 15, the now 36-year-old was the person to beat in Palm Beach Gardens. However, things haven't been as kind to him lately, as he's struggled to crack the top 40 in his last four starts here. Approach play has been the only thing to falter in his past four tries compared to earlier in his career, which hasn't been the greatest to begin this season (ranked 119th in strokes gained on approach: -0.206). Short game and putting have also been weak, as he ranks 160th in strokes gained around the green (-0.423) and 123rd in strokes gained putting (-0.213). As much as the golf world would love another Fowler resurgence, signals aren't there to have any optimism for it this week.
--Todd McGill - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
1 month agoRickie Fowler had to withdraw from last week's Waste Management Phoenix Open after his first round due to illness. He is now focusing on preparing for this week's Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California. Notably, Torrey Pines also hosted last month's Farmers Insurance Open. It's important to highlight that at the Farmers Insurance Open, over 22% of approach shots were taken from over 200 yards. Over the past 12 months, Fowler has ranked in the 25th percentile for greens in regulation percentage on approach shots from this distance in the fairway. Given that Fowler struggled in his first round last week before withdrawing, including him in DFS lineups carries some risk.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
1 month agoRickie Fowler withdrew from the Waste Management Phoenix Open before his scheduled tee time for the second round on Friday, citing illness as the reason. He carded a 3-over 74 in the first round and hit only 50% of fairways. After receiving an exemption, Fowler will now focus on the Genesis Invitational next week.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: MSN - SB Nation
2 months agoRickie Fowler has seen his golf game improve. The American golfer did not fare so well at Pebble Beach (outside the Top 50), but there is little secret how fond Fowler is of Scottsdale. It is no secret Fowler feeds off the crowd like few golfers can. Anyhow, Fowler did once nearly win the tournament in 2016 then triumphed in 2019. Just two years ago, Fowler finished in the Top 10. 2024 was not so kind at Scottsdale as he missed the cut. Fowler may only drive the ball around 301 yards but he can still keep it on the fairway around 65% of the time. Fowler still ranks inside the Top 30 in scrambling too (28th). Fowler will be one to watch for from a DFS standpoint especially if the starts the tournament out well.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
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