Houston, TX …
Rickie Fowler stormed his way to a lowest ever Shell Houston Open round and a one shot lead on the opening day of the event at the Golf Club of Houston.
Fowler didn’t drop a shot in racing to five under par through seven holes and then picked up three back nine birdies in an eight under par 64.
It handed the American firstly a four shot lunchtime lead before South Korean Sang Kang carded a seven under par 65.
Rickie Fowler produces his lowest Shell Houston Open round in 21 rounds.
Fowler’s eight birdies is the most in any round this season and with seven of those birdies coming from withing 10-feet or less, and making the recent Honda Classic champion 100 per cent in putting from inside that margin.
And his round of 64, and his lowest since rounds of 68 on day two of the 2012 event along with a 68 on day three of the 2012 Houston event, was just one shy of the Tournament Course record.
“There is a lot of good stuff going on right now,” he said. “Family is great, you know, friends, everyone. Work I’ve been putting in in the gym, my trainer is doing it, and spending time with Butch (Harmon) the first two days here this week on Monday and Tuesday, Jimmy and I were able to hang out and play golf, play some matches, get some good work. Yeah, really like where I’m at right now.”
In fact, Fowler was at the Jack Nicklaus designed Lockinvar course in Houston working with Harmon.
“It’s definitely been trending and building this way as I felt very good the last few months,” he said. “I definitely playing in Phoenix and playing well there, got a good Sunday and that kind of set-up two weeks off to go prepare and get ready for Honda, and it’s been great. I’ve had a lot of confidence in the swing and the game. Kind of continue to tighten it up
“And as I was talking about earlier, I got some great work in with Butch Monday, Tuesday, he was down. Jimmy and I spent time with him both days pretty much all day over at Lochinvar, and really when you get that kind of one-on-one time, especially going out and playing on a golf course and just kind of going through and trying to simulate actual tournament rounds, it’s very beneficial.
“So, very happy that we’re able to do that and nice to kind of see that payoff with the start today.”
And Fowler was excited also as he was headed to the Astros -v- Chicago Cubs exhibition match to throw the first pitch.
“I’m looking forward to it. Go throw out the first pitch tonight at the Astros,” he said.
“Hopefully throw a strike, it would be nice. I’m looking forward to that, and tomorrow I’ll be back out here in the afternoon. Hopefully the golf course has a chance the dry out a little bit, and we won’t be dealing with the same thing as we did today.
“I threw a little bit with the guys, I spent a lot of time with the Cardinals during Spring Training, lot of good friends over there, comfortable with that organization. I mean, I grew up throwing baseballs as a little kid.
“I haven’t done many yet, but I’d love to — the more opportunities the better. It’s probably more nervous when you get out there on the mound than we really ever get or maybe it’s close to Ryder Cup nerves. You’re just hoping not to screw up.
“So, it will be fun. The owner is a good friend, spend time with him and play out at the Floridian. I’m close with those guys. I’m looking forward to it.
