US Open: Is Rickie Fowler feeling the strain? His manner would suggest otherwise as he approaches the final round of the US Open with a share of the lead after a career-reviving week in Los Angeles.
The 34-year-old, who shot a spectacular round of 62 on Thursday, is tied for the lead on 10-under with Wyndham Clark and would have been much farther ahead if not for a terrible three-putt bogey on his final hole.
Throughout the first three days in California, the crowded environment has been a talking topic, but there has been no shortage of noise for a fan favourite in Fowler as he attempts to end his wait for a major championship.
“We’re in a good spot,” Fowler said, according to Sky Sports. “Playing the first couple of days and making sure you have a tee time on the weekend, yes they do mean something because it all adds up to the score, but this is where the tournament really starts.” Especially on the final round’s back nine.
“It’s all about going out, continuing to execute, having fun out there, and hitting shots.”
Fowler has found himself on the outside looking in recent years, with his form deteriorating since the peak of his career between 2014 and 2019.
He feels it is because of the challenges that he is able to approach the Los Angeles Country Club course with such bravery.
“This is probably the most comfortable I’ve ever felt in a normal tournament, let alone a major,” he said. “I’ve been in similar situations before, being close to the lead or having chances.”
“I really enjoy this golf course, and I enjoy all of the aspects of being able to hit shots. It appeals to my eye, and it’s a great course to play, but it’s continuing to firm up and become more difficult. We’ll take our time and see what happens.
“I guess in a way, I’m not afraid to fail because I’ve dealt with failure over the last few years, and you live to see another day.”
In the lead pack, Fowler and Clark have Rory McIlroy for company, with the Northern Irishman breathing down their necks on nine-under par in his bid to snap a nine-year major drought.
“I’m feeling pretty good,” McIlroy said. “The golf course definitely became a little trickier today than it had been the previous two days.”
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