Rickie Fowler highlights change he wants to happen to the golf course at the PGA National this week which could impact him at the Cognizant Classic

Add as preferred source on Google

Rickie Fowler is seeking a second victory at PGA National this week after he won the Honda Classic back in 2017.

That year, Fowler finished four strokes clear of Gary Woodland to seal his fourth PGA Tour win. Fowler has been without a win since the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic and is ranked 95th in the world.

After bursting through as one of golf’s brightest young prospects, Fowler has done little to cement himself among the elite players. The 2023 US Open at LACC felt like a huge missed opportunity for the Florida native.

In 2025, Fowler has placed T21 at The American Express, T53 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and T39 in the Genesis Invitational. Meanwhile, at the WM Phoenix Open, Fowler withdrew after the first round.

Rickie Fowler predicts change to the greens at the Cognizant Classic

PGA National promises to provide a stern test. The course is littered with water hazards and will reward those who drive the ball straight.

Speaking during his pre-tournament press conference, Fowler alluded to the greens, which he expects to firm up as the week goes on.

“Out here, a big thing is how firm the greens can get and what the wind is doing. Obviously, the course is soft right now. Greens are still soft. Hopefully, that will change throughout the week and dry out,” Fowler said.

“But it’s very much a second shot or approach golf course. Obviously, there’s plenty of water in play. There are a handful of key shots that can be the difference between having a putt at birdie and walking away with double or potentially more.”

• READ MORE: The concern Ted Scott had about Scottie Scheffler before he agreed to become his caddie after splitting from Bubba Watson

Cognizant Classic: Past winning scores

In recent years, there have been some low winning scores at the Cognizant Classic.

Austin Eckroat won with a 17-under total in 2023, and Chris Kirk beat Eric Cole in a playoff two years ago after finishing 14 under.

In 2022, PGA National provided more of a test. Sepp Straka clinched victory at ten under, finishing one shot clear of Shane Lowry.

In 2021, Matt Jones won at 12 under, and in 2020, Sungjae Im won with a score of six under. Clearly, when conditions prove challenging, PGA National starts to develop a major championship-like feel.

Rickie Fowler’s scoring prediction at the Cognizant Classic

When asked about scoring conditions this week, Fowler admitted the currently soft greens could make life easier for the field.

“It is a golf course; if you drive it well and control your golf ball, you can shoot some good numbers. But I’ve always loved this place because you don’t necessarily have to go low or make a lot of birdies to win. If it stays like it is right now and there’s not much wind, you’re going to see some lower scores,” Fowler added.

“Typically, wind is a factor down here, and when you’re playing this golf course with such kind of fine margins of what a good shot is and when you’re grabbing another golf ball out of the bag, it’s tough. But I’ve always enjoyed playing here from junior golf. I played it once in a junior event, and I’ve played this event quite a few times. I think it’s a nice challenge.”