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Rickie Fowler, hoping to build Ryder Cup case, commits to Wyndham Championship
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Rickie Fowler is one of the four Americans representing the red, white and blue at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. That doesn't mean he's a lock for the United States Ryder Cup roster this fall.
The top eight Americans in Ryder Cup points will earn selection to the team after The Barclays on August 28th. Fowler, who has two Ryder Cup appearances under his belt, is currently 12th in team standings for this year's event at Hazeltine. And if Davis Love III is factoring recent play into his captain's picks, Fowler could be in trouble. The 27-year-old, after a hot start to 2016, has been a mess this spring and summer, missing cuts at the Masters, Players Championship, Memorial and U.S. Open. Outings at the British Open (T-46) and PGA Championship (T-33) were far from inspiring, and his Olympic showing has been a disaster through two days, standing 50th in the 60-player field.
But Fowler is determined to be with the American contingent in Minneapolis, which is why he has committed to playing in next week's Wyndham Championship.
“The Ryder Cup and the experiences I've had there, it's the best team event there is in golf," Fowler said after his second round in Brazil. "I don't want to be left off that team, so I want to go there and try and get myself some points."
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After automatic qualifying, Love will add three captain's picks at the end of the BMW Championship (September 11th), with his final player choice coming after the Tour Championship (September 25th). Because of his past experience, as well as his popularity with fans, most view Fowler as a lock for one of the four selections.
But, to his credit, Fowler doesn't want anything handed to him, which is why he's added Greensboro to his busy schedule.
“I would want Davis to pick me because he thinks I deserve a pick,” Fowler said. “I want to go there and play well and earn some points. I don't want him to think I'm just assuming I'm getting a pick, and I'm not assuming that I'm not getting one, either. I want to go earn my spot.”