Rickie Fowler Taught a Lesson on Not Giving Up by PGA Tour Underdog as Masters Nears: ‘Want to Give Myself as Many Chances’

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Fowler’s golf game is on the line, and his shocking decision to skip the Valspar Championship has sent shockwaves through the golf world! Rickie Fowler is actively reducing his chances of qualifying for the Masters Tournament by opting out of the Valspar Championship. This decision raises eyebrows, especially since Fowler hasn’t qualified for the Masters yet, and winning the Valspar Championship would have been a golden opportunity to secure his spot. Damon Hack points out, “It feels far away, much farther away than it did in 2014 when he had the four straight top-five finishes in major championships.”

Fowler is now making his upcoming performances in the Texas-based events a must-win. He needs to win one of the remaining tournaments before the Masters to qualify, and the Valspar Championship would have been a great chance to do so. Fowler’s quest to qualify for the Masters just got a lot tougher after his surprising decision to skip the Valspar Championship, and his performance at the PLAYERS Championship isn’t off to a great start, with a score of 71, leaving him +12. Now, all eyes are on Fowler’s ability to finish strong and keep his Masters hopes alive. Well, it seems like a fellow golfer has some advice up his sleeve for Fowler to not give up just yet.

In his latest tweet, PGA Tour pro Michael Kim while talking about his PLAYERS Championship experience, the golfer revealed his thought process behind participating in the Valspar Championship, saying “-I wasn’t sure if I was playing Valspar but since I had a couple extra days of rest, decided to play. I like the golf course and I want to give myself as many chances at qualifying for the Masters.”

 

Thoughts from Players:
-Personally, from a player’s perspective, I think The Players is the best run tournament in the world. Everything from the gym, food, practice facility, parking, and staff, it’s all first class.
-Every yr I play this tournament, I appreciate the design of…

— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) March 17, 2025

This proactive approach to seizing every opportunity to qualify for the prestigious Masters Tournament stands in contrast to Fowler’s decision to skip the Valspar Championship, a move that reduces his chances of qualifying for the Masters and puts added pressure on his upcoming performances.

Rickie Fowler’s uncertain future

Rickie Fowler, the charismatic golfer known for his bright orange attire and infectious personality, has left fans and pundits stunned with his latest revelation. In a surprise press conference, the 35-year-old golfer confessed that he’s contemplating a step back from the sport. Fowler’s words, “I think it’s time to reevaluate everything,” sent shockwaves through the room, leaving everyone wondering what was behind this sudden decision. With a career marked by remarkable successes, including a major championship runner-up finish at the 2014 U.S. Open and multiple PGA Tour wins, it’s hard to fathom what’s driving this uncertainty.

Well, avid golf fans can think of a reason or two. Fowler recently became a dad of two adorable daughters, Maya and Nellie, and becoming a father has significantly shifted his priorities. “Golf has been my life, but there are other things I need to focus on now,” he admitted, hinting at the impact of fatherhood on his mindset. As a result, Fowler has become more focused on efficient practice sessions, allowing him to spend quality time with his loved ones. While it’s unclear whether his family life is directly contributing to his uncertain career, it’s possible that his newfound responsibilities and priorities may be playing a role. What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!

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