Sympathy for Rickie

[Naptime]

Rickie has be called all sorts of stuff here, so I figured I'd start a more sympathetic thread.  AFAIK the guy has not acted like a jerk, never claimed to be more that what he is.  Makes a ton of endorsement money with his old flat bill dude vibe - thankfully that look's behind him.  He got married to the only collegiate pole vaulter that most guys would ever recognize - and she seems to have handled her fame well without being a jerk either.  Expecting a baby daughter next month.

 

He missed the Shriners cut after a long layoff, but managed a better second round.  It will be interesting to see if he gets back into contention again.  As a TV draw, I'd be more interested in watching a final round with him on the leaderboard that a lot of other (and recently more successful) players.

Edited October 9, 2021 by Naptime

[MMB1500]

I don't think anyone's ever questioned what a nice guy he is, or what a charmed life he leads.

 

It's just frustrating to see someone with so much talent prioritize acting in commercials over playing golf. 

[BlackDiamondPar5]

I've never seen any evidence of Fowler being disliked by anyone on WRX, or anywhere for that matter. Discussing the poor state of his game is factual. The Root Cause is certainly conjecture. Obviously he doesn't need golf to make a great living so maybe he's simply found other ways to satisfy his life that are more rewarding than golf? 

 

Sure I'd like to see him doing better at golf, but I'd rather see him follow his passion even if it's not golf, whatever that may be. He seems like the kind of person that can do many things well. 

 

Here's to wishing him well in parenthood. It goes by fast. 

Edited October 9, 2021 by BlackDiamondPar5

[nikeblades00]

He seems to be a decent guy for sure. Also before we go blaming him for not working on his game, or living up to expectations, let's all realize golf is very f****** hard. 

[stinger_gc]

He'll be fine. I think he's starting to show some signs of turning it around. Right now his biggest problem is putting 4 rounds together. 

[bscinstnct]

I think after his kid is born he will focus and bear down.

 

Or maybe he’ll just move to Santorini and do nothing; )

 

Get up every morning with view like

 

 

[tatertot]

1 hour ago, MMB1500 said:

I don't think anyone's ever questioned what a nice guy he is, or what a charmed life he leads.

 

It's just frustrating to see someone with so much talent prioritize acting in commercials over playing golf. 

How do you know he's prioritizing acting in commercials over playing golf? How much time do you think he's spending "acting in commercials"?

 

At some point, time spent on golf is a diminishing return. You can't just pound balls 20 hours a day and see results ... well, not everybody can. It's not in their DNA.

 

And I can't believe the commercials are taking a huge chunk of his time. But we don't KNOW, it's all conjencture.

[llewol007]

I actually applaud Rickie for being relatable to the younger crowd and actually profited off it. No offense but not everyone will be in the top echelon in the game. But like many others have said, Rickie isnt a big A hole like a lot of other golfers end up becoming. Too many team this and team that. So for me, each victory for Rickie is icing on the cake. He has done enough and made enough. How much can be said about so many other "top caliber" players who get 1% of the attention and private company money that Rickie gets. 

[miamistomp]

 He did what he could with what he had and all the other horses passed him by

  Once the putting got iffy , he lost his edge

 

 He is not a tremendous natural talent like a Jordan , Rory or Lydia that can come back and run with the best

 

He is a nice guy who gets more than his share of exposure but basically he is a cool version of Kuchar

[Shilgy]

Meh, he’s just setting the table to take the Comeback POY away from Tiger in a couple years. 🙄

[Soloman1]

Imagine being a person who wakes up and says, "You know, I don't like that Rickie guy. Grrr. He only made $1 million in 2021. What a jerk!"

 

 

 

[KBong]

I always liked Fowler...a CLASS guy vs. some of the other entitled *** on the tour.

[KBong]

2 hours ago, MMB1500 said:

It's just frustrating to see someone with so much talent prioritize acting in commercials over playing golf. 

I doubt he spend huge amts of time shooting commercials...it was simply easy money for him.

You'd do the same too if the opportunities were there.

[tgws]

maybe he doesn't have the type of talent most assume he does

 

he's gotten to the point where he is what the record reflects 

[caniac6]

Some careers are longer than others. It could be he’s done. Nice guy. Great life. Made a lot of money. Switched teachers, and tried to change his swing, and it has been an absolute disaster. He certainly won’t be the first guy to fade away.

[MUNIGRIT]

1 hour ago, tatertot said:

How do you know he's prioritizing acting in commercials over playing golf? How much time do you think he's spending "acting in commercials"?

 

At some point, time spent on golf is a diminishing return. You can't just pound balls 20 hours a day and see results ... well, not everybody can. It's not in their DNA.

 

And I can't believe the commercials are taking a huge chunk of his time. But we don't KNOW, it's all conjencture.

Well his coach pretty much said that but in reality who cares as Rickie has accomplished way more in golf than he meant to accomplish. You play pro golf for an income which he is still killing it at. He never had the killer instinct and other walks of life appeared. Dont think there needs to be a poor Rick thread.

[PowderedToastMan]

2 hours ago, MMB1500 said:

I don't think anyone's ever questioned what a nice guy he is, or what a charmed life he leads.

 

It's just frustrating to see someone with so much talent prioritize acting in commercials over playing golf. 

Do you have any evidence to back up this statement? 

[Rosco1216]

A number of guys have fallen out of form while getting into a new relationship, getting married, having kids, etc. Not just golfers. I guarantee he hasn’t had the focus on golf in recent years that he once had. Can’t blame the guy.  Other guys it doesn’t seem to affect as much seem to have a much more eager desire and tenacity to win. Rickie will be fine, whether he gets back his desire and focus towards returning to form or not. 

[LeoLeo99]

Rickie is 24th on the all time PGA money winners with $40M.  I think he wakes up every morning without much frustrations.  

[playit]

34 minutes ago, LeoLeo99 said:

Rickie is 24th on the all time PGA money winners with $40M.  I think he wakes up every morning without much frustrations.  

 

At his young age, a google said his net worth is $18 million. Whatever it is, I am sure he is set for life. How fine can that be at his age, never having to worry about money again. I hope he regains top form. But, like life, golf is a fleeting thing.

[airjammer]

50 minutes ago, Rosco1216 said:

A number of guys have fallen out of form while getting into a new relationship, getting married, having kids, etc. Not just golfers. I guarantee he hasn’t had the focus on golf in recent years that he once had. Can’t blame the guy.  Other guys it doesn’t seem to affect as much seem to have a much more eager desire and tenacity to win. Rickie will be fine, whether he gets back his desire and focus towards returning to form or not. 

From all accounts he seems like a really nice guy. Whether we like it or not it takes a certain amount of selfishness to get to the top of any sport or profession.   There are far too many word not alloweds at the top for it to be a coincidence.  I’d say at this point his talent alone can’t overcome the talent and lack of other time consuming commitments of the other players that want to take his spot. 

[sociojeje]

It has to be the mustache... Or he needs a trip to Korea and win there again. It was his very first professional win and then he gained his momentum after. So I would say, lose the mustache (if he hasn't), wear orange, and win in Korea. 

[dongodfrey]

He’s a great guy

with a great golf swing 

has won more money than any of us can dream of,

is liked all over the world 

has a beautiful other half, a little one on the way 

companies paying big sums to advertise there merchandise, but we all questioned his ability to win tournaments or make cuts,

does he worry about it,

I doubt it.

Good luck Rickie, in whatever you do,

your one of the good guys 👍

Edited October 10, 2021 by dongodfrey

[ShowMe]

Let's see...

 

Multi-millionaire?  Check

Super hot wife?  Check

Soon to be a dad?  Check

Doesn't have to work another day in his life if he doesn't want to?  Check

 

He'll be just fine.

[golfandfishing]

Rickie’s got a zillion bucks, is a great person by all accounts and seems to be happy in his family life. These are the goals of most of us and if he’s satisfied then may the good lord bless him. But for his long term future on the pga tour he can look at Jonathan Byrd in Monday qualifiers and KFT Q School. Once exempt status runs out and a guy has spent some time outside the top 125 or 150 it gets dark quick. 

Edited October 9, 2021 by golfandfishing

[Medson]

Rickie had so much hype when he first came onto the tour. His popularity back in mid 2010s rivaled any big names. 
 

It is everyone’s guess whether he’s heading up or down. Keep in mind that most of us were pretty pessimistic about Jordan Spieth at this time last year. 
 

There’s no question Rickie is set for life. His popularity will most likely not get back to where it was unless he begins to win left and right. I think he has enough talents to have a long career with couple of regular wins sprinkled in-between. 

[oz dee cee]

No sympathy and no judgment. He lives a good life. 

[tgws]

typical comment for yrs on this board saying what a great life/wife he has.. 

how about everyone just stipulates to this (without deciding) lol ...as it's somewhat of a creepy defense

 

decent/maybe good pro golfer in his prime, but unlikely to recapture that

 

[ShowMe]

24 minutes ago, tgws said:

typical comment for yrs on this board saying what a great life/wife he has.. 

how about everyone just stipulates to this (without deciding) lol ...as it's somewhat of a creepy defense

 

decent/maybe good pro golfer in his prime, but unlikely to recapture that

 

 

Sure, but his wife is hot!

 

Wait...

[stinger_gc]

9 hours ago, ShowMe said:

Let's see...

 

Multi-millionaire?  Check

Super hot wife?  Check

Soon to be a dad?  Check

Doesn't have to work another day in his life if he doesn't want to?  Check

 

He'll be just fine.

Good thing he had a hot 12 months back in 2015!