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2015 PGA Tour Preview: Rickie Fowler Will Continue To Contend In Major Championships

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By @Brandon__Raper

Rickie Fowler PGA Tour

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Once an afterthought to most “serious” golf observers, Rickie Fowler proved he’s more than just a walking fashion statement in 2014. Indeed, few players (with one obvious exception) could claim they had a much more impressive season than the young, orange-clad superstar. Fowler’s sure to have designs on an encore in 2015, with a major breakthrough possibly right around the corner.

Coming into last season, Fowler was already one of the game’s most popular players, wildly attractive to the young and female demographics, notoriously tough to please. However, with just one win on his record, he needed to do something to make his game match that level of celebrity. Enter Butch Harmon, who has helped Fowler completely rebuild his swing from the ground up.

As we know, the results weren’t pretty immediately. Fowler did miss three straight PGA Tour cuts in January and February (and seven all year), but he also began to find a rhythm. He finished third at the WGC-Accenture Match Play, and then a powerful fifth at the Masters.

It would have been easy to write that week in Augusta off as a fluke when Fowler again missed back-to-back cuts at the Colonial and the Memorial, but it was then that he truly took off. Fowler’s rocket took off right about the same time as Rory McIlroy‘s, and the two found themselves neck and neck at the Open Championship, and again at the PGA Championship. If McIlroy was white-hot, Fowler was a bright, bright red (or possibly orange?), and the Ulsterman was the only thing keeping Fowler himself from hoisting those trophies.

What does that mean for 2015? For starters, expect much more of the same in the months to come. His work with Harmon is paying off to levels nobody could have expected this quickly. Hitting the ball farther (33rd in driving distance) and not losing as many strokes around the green (17th in scrambling), mean that Fowler can let it rip and rely on his short game and putting to keep him in contention. It’s a classic style working for a player who isn’t exactly known for being traditional.

The first big test for Fowler in 2015 will come at the Masters, where he’ll be expected to battle with McIlroy for the green jacket. Beyond that, who knows how far the two will push each other? Fowler’s a prolific Tweeter, and he’ll remind everybody of his motto before each tournament: “Go Time”. That’s exactly what it will be this year.

Brandon Raper is the lead golf writer for Rant Sports. “Like” him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @Brandon__Raper, and join him on Google+.

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