Rickie Fowler says what’s changed so much about him since he first started on the PGA Tour 15 years ago

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Rickie Fowler is set to defend the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club this week after returning to the winners’ circle during the 2023 edition.

The six-time PGA Tour winner has struggled to keep pace this season and missed the cut at the US Open at Pinehurst No.2.

Fowler’s form improved slightly during last week’s Travelers Championship, but he still finished nine shots off the pace behind Scottie Scheffler and Tom Kim.

But, despite largely struggling in 2024, the American has admitted he’s changed for the better since breaking onto the PGA Tour in 2009.

Rickie Fowler shares what’s changed since his PGA Tour debut

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Speaking to the Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, the 35-year-old claimed he’s a lot more relaxed compared to the man who toiled for his first victory in 2012.

“I’m definitely a lot more relaxed, and you know I still want to compete and put plenty of pressure on myself,” said Fowler.

“I want to go and be in contention and win some more. It’s also, at the same time, not everything. I love to play the game of golf, and if I am not out here playing tournaments, I am at home playing golf.”

He added: “There are other things, such as spending time with the wife, the little one, and our second on the way. I think there’s been some other things that have happened around our game that have put some things in perspective.”

Rickie Fowler’s major wait goes on

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The 2023 US Open could still be lingering on Fowler’s mind. Regardless of feeling more relaxed, the 35-year-old was in touching distance of his first major title at LACC only to falter during the final round.

A near-miss can be hard to come back from, but the American needs to respond with a major title to truly be considered among the greats.

Hopefully, at this week’s event in Detroit, Fowler can rediscover his form on a course he clearly likes. The 35-year-old currently sits outside the top 70 in the FedEx Cup points list and needs some big performances to jump back the right side of the dotted line before the play-offs get underway.