by By Tyler Jones
@TylerJonesLive
ST. LOUIS- Rickie Fowler’s quest to win his first career major will have to wait another year. The
29-year-old finished tied for 12th in this year’s event. Fowler ended the tournament shooting a
272 overall at -8. Brooks Kopeka won the championship, shooting a 264 overall, putting him at
-16 for the championship.
Early on the course played to Fowler’s liking. He ended the first round as the clubhouse leader
after shooting his best round of the tournament at 65. Fowler was later on passed up that round
by Gary Woodland, who shot a 64 to take the lead at the end of the day. In the process, Fowler
played through a oblique injury, but after the first round, he was never the same.
One advantage Fowler saw early on was the grounds structure of Bellerive. Bellerive uses a
zoysia grass, which is exclusive to the heartland of America. Fowler spent most of his career at
Oklahoma State playing on zoysia and has not seen it a lot throughout his professional career,
due to most events being played on the east and west coasts.
Fowler shot a 67 in the second round, but the round was delayed for Fowler after he completed
the 10th hole. Fowler’s day on Saturday included finishing his second round from 11 to the
finish, as well as completing the third round. After a busy day, Fowler ended up shooting a 69 to
complete the third round.
After Fowler’s busy Saturday ended he still felt comfortable with his position, “I was a little off.
Didn’t get the ball close enough on a few holes, but I’m happy with where we are at not having
played our best golf through 26 holes.”
On Sunday, Fowler was with one of the final three groupings. He was paired with Jon Rahm of
Spain and entered the round at -9, just two shots back of leader Brooks Kopeka.
Fowler shot +1 for the front nine, which included a bogie on fifth hole. Fowler answered that with
a birdie on 13, but it would be his only birdie of the day. Fowler bogied on 17 and would end his
day at +1, putting him at -8 for the entire tournament.
Fowler’s 12th place finish earned him $187,747.14 in prize money. With his solid performance
at the PGA Championship, Fowler remains in the top eight of the Ryder Cup standings and is
currently ranked 17th in the FedEx Cup standings as well.
