Rickie Fowler rode his return to the winner’s circle into the top 25 in the latest Official World Golf Ranking. But he’s thinking of another worldwide golf event.
Fowler jumped to No. 23 from 35th by winning the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, his first victory since 2019. Fowler ended last season ranked 103rd.
The OWGR was unchanged among the top seven; American Max Homa went from ninth to eighth, swapping positions with England’s Matt Fitzpatrick.
A missed cut in Detroit pushed Justin Thomas to No. 20 (from 17) with Keegan Bradley rising to No. 17 and Collin Morikawa moving up to 18th from No. 20.
Fowler said Sunday night the win checks one box, but he’s ready to focus on his next goal — earning a spot on his fifth Ryder Cup team in Rome. He’s now 12th in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings.
“Definitely one of the main goals this year was to win,” Fowler said Sunday after winning a playoff. “Outside of that was obviously playing well and doing what I’ve been doing to make it to the Tour Championship. One of the end goals was to be a part of the Ryder Cup team and that’s still what we’re focusing on right now. Been a part of a handful and they’re very special weeks, so that’s where I have kind of my eyes.”
Another American winner from the weekend, Talor Gooch, said he’s hopeful captain Zach Johnson will recognize his success after three wins on the LIV Golf circuit this season. No American has more wins this season on any tour.
“If apples were to apples, the guy leading the FedExCup and the guy leading the LIV standings, it’s like — I think my play has shown that it’s at least worth a discussion,” Gooch said.
Gooch has never played in the Ryder Cup. He sank consecutive birdies Sunday to edge Bryson DeChambeau in Spain.
Johnson said last month it was “premature” to discuss whether LIV-rostered players would be considered for the Ryder Cup given the planned merger of rival leagues.
–Field Level Media
