Exciting American superstar Rickie Fowler was gently reminded of the pomp and procedures of Augusta National.
Fowler, 22 was the first in the Masters Media Centre and in his debut appearance in the season’s first Major.
But while waiting for the assembled golfing media to arrive, Fowler began fiddling with cap and hair before settling on turning the hat back-the-front, so that the peak of the cap was handing down over his neck.
Ron Townsend, the African/American born moderator dressed in a green Augusta National members jacket, didn’t like the idea of one of golf’s most flamboyant young stars facing the media and TV cameras with his Puma cap backwards.
“Turn your cap around”, insisted Townsend.
Fowler responded: “No, they won’t be able to see my face.
Townsend then asked Fowler again to turn his cap around, so much so, he put his hand up to Fowler’s cap to assist the Ryder Cup star wear the headwear the right way around.
The interview ended some 20-minutes later with Fowler standing up, removing his cap and shaking his hair back-and-forward.
Twelve months ago, Augusta Chairman, Billy Payne sat in the very same chair.
Payne addressed the scenario of Tiger Woods returning to competition for a first occasion since the infidelities that led to his divorce.
But unlike the pathetic inaction of PGA Tour Commissioner, Tim Finchem who was notable for his silence, Payne gave Woods both barrels firing a good ole southern ‘tongue lashing’ at the then World No. 1 saying he’d let down the game of golf and all those supported him.
