Rickie Fowler will not be part of the Arnold Palmer Invitational next week as it stands and the American has given a brutally honest verdict in response to the news.
Fowler and Jordan Spieth are two of the big names on the PGA Tour to fall foul of poor form in the last year and ultimately, they’ve paid the price.
Both players can still qualify by winning in Florida at the Cognizant Classic taking place right now but with Jake Knapp 13-under, it’s going to take a big couple of days.
Fowler, of course, had a close relationship with Arnold Palmer and the family and his omission has come as a surprise to some.
But according to Fowler himself, it’s all on him.
Rickie Fowler gives honest verdict after missing out on the Arnold Palmer Invitational
Speaking in his press conference after his second round at the Cognizant Classic, Fowler was told that the full list is out and he is not included.
However, in an honest take on proceedings, Fowler admitted he’s nobody to blame but himself.
“Well, at the end of the day, play better,” Fowler conceded. “It would be a lot easier just having played well last year and earned my way into these events.
“Been very fortunate and very thankful to Steve John at Pebble and AT&T to get a spot there and Tiger and Genesis to get the one at Torrey. But it’s tough to try and get all of them. Being able to get some of them is great.
“Yeah, it is what it is. Like I said, at the end of the day, play well and that’ll take care of it.
“Obviously I’m bummed that I won’t be there next week. It’s a special event, and obviously I had a very special relationship with Mr. Palmer. But we’ll see. We’ll see if we can get a trophy this week, and that would take care of that.”
Why Rickie Fowler decided not to join LIV Golf
Despite being yet to win a major, Rickie Fowler has been a mainstay of the PGA Tour for some time now and is one of the big names in any event he plays.
His absence – for now – from the Arnold Palmer speaks volumes about his form and also the fact the PGA Tour is looking at more than just those with a big name and history in the game.
Fowler has admitted he had no interest in joining LIV Golf, although that decision might come back to bite him if this is the start of a run of being excluded from big tournaments.
“I’m not out there playing for a paycheque; I’m out there playing to compete with the best players in the world, and I believe the Tour is the best place to be. I’d like to see it continue to be like that,” Fowler said.
The American will need a big finish in the final two rounds in Florida and in an ideal world, he can win and seal his place at Bay Hill regardless.
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