Rising American golf star Rickie Fowler finally picked up his first US PGA Tour win Sunday in what might be the start of a rivalry for years to come.
Fowler brought style and substance to a sudden-death playoff at Quail Hollow and delivered a clutch shot – a wedge into four feet to birdie the 18th hole and win the Wells Fargo Championship over US Open champion Rory McIlroy and DA Points.
The 23-year-old Fowler has been talked about as the next American star since he turned pro with his flashy colours and sported his trademark all-orange outfit on Sunday.
Now he has a trophy to back up the hype, coming in his 67th start as a pro on the PGA Tour.
And he beat the 23-year-old McIlroy to do it.
“I’m looking forward to playing with Rory for a long time,” said Fowler, who closed with a three-under 69 as the trio tied at 14-under 274 for the tournament.
“It’s awesome. It’s a long wait, but well worth it.”
McIlroy established himself on the same green two years ago, a 20-year-old who closed out a record 62 by making a 40-foot putt.
This time, it was Fowler’s turn.
Along for the ride was Points (71), a 35-year-old who had the tournament in his grasp until ending 40 straight holes without a bogey by making one at the worst time.
He had a one-shot lead going to the 18th in regulation, hit his approach in a bunker and never came close to a par.
McIlroy (70) had a shot at winning in regulation and missed a 15-foot birdie putt.
Despite the loss, McIlroy reclaimed golf’s world No.1 ranking after he was supplanted by England’s Luke Donald.
The two have exchanged the top spot for the past two months, and McIlroy needed only a top-seven finish at Quail Hollow to return to the summit.
“It’s a little consolation,” McIlroy said.
“I would rather win the tournament, but it’s good.
“You know, I want to try and play well for the next few weeks and try and solidify my spot there at No.1 and hopefully start by doing that next week and giving myself another chance to win.”
McIlroy said he was delighted for Fowler
“It’s great to see,” McIlroy said.
“He probably has gone through a lot of scrutiny and a lot of pressure trying to get that first win out of the way.
“Hopefully that’ll ease the pressure a little bit.”
Another rising American, Webb Simpson (73), was outright fourth a shot behind the leading trio while England’s Lee Westwood carded a six-under 66 to finish in a tie for fifth with Ben Curtis (67) and Ryan Moore (74).
Jason Day was the best of the Australians, with a final-round 70 to finish tied ninth at nine-under for his best finish of the season.
John Senden started the tournament brightly but faded with a 75 in his final round to finish in a tie for 15th while Geoff Ogilvy was a further shot back.
