New World No. 4 Rickie Fowler reckons he’s scored an early Ryder Cup points boost in capturing the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
The new World No. 4 ranked Fowler captured a second European Tour counting event in six appearances since his victory at Gullane, and fighting back from a near crippling seventh hole double bogey to then eagle the eighth on route to a 69 and a one stroke 16-under par winning tally.
It is also Fowler’s fourth taste of success since being handed the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.
And Fowler could not help but point out he’s won one of the bigger European Tour events and nine months out from the Ryder Cup that commences on September 30th at Hazeltine.
Rickie Fowler becomes only the second American since Chris Di Marco to win the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
“To win a big European Tour event in front of such a strong European Tour field, and in a Ryder Cup year, those are bonuses,” he said.
“I felt like I had a lot of support out there. Clearly, Rory is a very big favourite around here, and the other Euros, as well.
“I know Jordan and I both enjoy being over here; Jordan, being his first visit, he really enjoyed his week from what I have heard from him.
“So yeah, this is a great win, like I said, it’s a bonus that it’s a Ryder Cup year and that we came over here and got a win on the European Tour
As well, Fowler’s win further reinforces the new generation of younger players gripping the ancient game with the average of the top four, including World No. 1 Jordan Spieth and World No. 2 Jason Day, just 25.75 years.
“Golf’s in a really good position right now,” he said.
Rickie Fowler of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Dokoupil)
“Seeing what Jason (Day) did last year, what Jordan did all year, still doing it, and Rory, he had a ‘not-so-good’ year and still won four times.
“But then I’ve also got my sight on No. 1 in the world, that would be the ultimate goal, but I’m up against some pretty tough opposition.”
It is the first time in Fowler’s six-year pro career he’s won his first event of a new season and with six victories worldwide next goal for the passionate orange-clad Oklahoma State supporter is a Masters green jacket.
“It’s a great way for me to start a New Year and it’s nice to have the game where it’s at right now going into the season, instead of trying to work on things and trying to find stuff,” he said.
“Right now, I can go and fine tune and really start to build up for Augusta. I’d say this is really the first time I’ve had it, in my career and at this early time of year, so I feel good about my game knowing how quickly where it’s at.
“So I’m excited. I know all the players out here are always trying to get better, and that’s now my goal moving forward, to be ready for Augusta.”
Belgium’s Thomas Pieters (67) was second at 15-under par and with World No. 3 Rory McIlroy settling for his fourth top-three Abu Dhabi result in the past six years shooting a 68 and tied with Henrik Stenson (67) on 11-under,
