In case you missed him, Fowler closes with a 67

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland -- Even with the most dynamic wardrobe this side of John Daly, Rickie Fowler has gone mostly unnoticed at St. Andrews, and for good reason: when he opened with a 79 in the easiest conditions of the week, Fowler found himself scrambling just to make the cut.

The 21-year-old rookie managed just that with a second-round 67 in far fiercer conditions, then steadily climbed up the leader board, adding rounds of 71 and 67 on the weekend.

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Now in finishing at four under and with the toughest conditions still to come, Fowler has a chance to go home from his first Open Championship as the low American (his immediate competition includes Sean O'Hair, currently at six under through eight holes, and Ricky Barnes and J.B. Holmes who are both five under at the turn). Regardless, what's apparent is that Fowler has taken an immediate liking to this tournament.

"Links golf is my favorite," Fowler said. "I love playing over here at the home of golf, playing the game as it's meant to be played. I hope I can keep coming back for many years."

-- Sam Weinman