02-06-2025
Rickie Fowler thrilled with Open Championship ticket as he silences critics' taunts
Popular American buzzing for Royal Portrush after super show at The Memorial
Resurgent Rickie Fowler is thrilled to be going The Open having jammed criticism down the throats of snipers.
The Californian star's top 10 finish behind winner Scottie Scheffler at The Memorial earned him a place in July's 153rd Championship at Royal Portrush.
Fowler finished tied-sixth at the Northern Irish venue six years ago as Shane Lowry strode to success and now gets a chance to return having fought his way through struggles and qualified the hard way.
The 36-year-old can't wait to get across the Atlantic and said: 'We're heading the right way. This week still could have been a lot better, but a definite positive is going over to Portrush. That's one I've wanted on the schedule. I had a great time when we were there the last and had a decent showing as well. Links golf's my favourite.
"Portrush is a great spot, so excited for that opportunity. I knew top 10 (would be enough). That was obviously what I needed. Like I said, I left a lot out there and could have played a lot better, but still a nice step in the right direction.'
Fowler's efforts were payback for the faith shown in him by the backers of The Memorial, Workday. Due to his slump in the rankings, the American star has not qualified for signature events this season in the States and been forced to rely on invites. His popularity means he always seems to get a pick along with Jordan Spieth, but that has drawn criticism over the meritocracy of the system to make such events.
However, Fowler answered the sniping at Muirfield Village and said: 'With the position I've been in, not having played well and not being in these elevated events and having to hope and pray for sponsor invites, definitely very thankful to Workday and everyone involved with the tournament giving me the opportunity here.
"And then not being in the majors. I've been thinking about that at times. I'm in a lot better spot now versus earlier in the year or going into where I was last year. I've been fighting hard and putting a lot of work in and trying to stay as patient as possible. I'm starting to finally see some good things and that work starts to pay off. So I'm excited for tournaments heading up.'
Having secured his place at Portrush, Fowler's next task is to try to earn his spot in the US Open at Oakmont. He is in Monday qualifying as he looks to make it an Open double and said: 'Long day, hopefully we saved all the putts because nothing went in or wanted to go in Sunday. Let's see if we can play some solid golf and go get ourselves a tee time at Oakmont and go from there.'
