In the last 15 years, Rickie Fowler’s environment has undergone significant change, but in case he had forgotten, a picture in Don James’ camera served as a reminder.
It was an image of a full-length Fowler poster, with the five-time PGA TOUR champion sporting a bright orange outfit from head to toe and his long, black hair trailing aimlessly beneath a wide-brim Puma cap.
“Oh, yeah, I remember that look,” said Fowler, who at 34 now has a more put-together, mature appearance.
Then again, the boy who had that poster has also experienced a significant transformation in his life. During a practice session before the Travellers Championship, Ben James, Don’s son, hit a shot into the center of the fairway at the 13th par-5 hole at TPC River Highlands.
James’ strong swing received a nod of approval from Fowler, who then walked down the fairway with a big group of loved ones, friends, and curious onlookers. Even though the poster depicted a cute connection, there was something more alluring about this practice round, which took place on a peaceful Tuesday afternoon.
After a stellar, five-win season for the University of Virginia, James was recently named the NCAA Outstanding Freshman of the Year. He has now inked an official NIL agreement with Puma, so who is better to hang out with than Mr. Puma, Fowler.
Given that James is from Milford, Connecticut, 40 miles away, the choice for Travellers officials to allow him to play as a sponsor exemption for the second consecutive year (he shot 72-69 but missed the cut by a few) was an easy decision.
The fact that he is an amateur who feels at ease in a professional environment where eight of the top 10 players in the world compete speaks volumes about the time period in which James is exercising his dominance. After all, James is fully aware that fellow college student Michael Thorbjornsen finished fourth in this competition a year ago, and his eyes light up when you discuss the advantages of PGA TOUR University.
“You can already see how wonderful of a deal it is because it’s such a huge incentive”, said James. He was referring to Ricky Castillo, a former standout at the University of Florida, and Adrien Dumont de Chassart, who finished third and ninth respectively in the final PGA TOUR University rankings.
Dumont de Chassart won the BMW Charity Pro-Am, and Castillo won the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open, where de Chassart lost in a playoff, over the past two weeks using Korn Ferry Tour spots that went to highly regarded PGA TOUR University alumni.
Yes, playing alongside Rickie Fowler was exciting, but James wanted to first brag about how fast college students get going. “They are very wonderful individuals. Adrien is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, and Ricky and I have played a lot of golf together,” he said.
James claimed that there are many more reasons why he feels less anxious than he did a year ago, including the fact that Sam Bennett, who was ranked No. 5, and Ludvig Aberg, who was No. 1 on the PGA TOUR University list, are both professionals and competing here. Yes, he feels at ease around a respectable group of peers.
“A year ago, I felt uneasy during my practice rounds. But this year, I feel more at ease. That’s amazing because I’ve never met Rickie, but I keep telling myself that I’m just playing golf. This is a game. Play while you add them up.” James said.
Although it was a practice run, James didn’t do anything to suggest that he couldn’t hold his own. He drove the tricky, short par-4 at number 15 and completed the 13th par-5 in two strokes overall.
During their nine-hole walk, neither James nor Fowler reported doing a lot of golf talk.
“I observed his shot technique and the many shapes he used, such as the low draw at the 14th par-4. He hit a few clubs that I wouldn’t have, so I paid attention to that.” Fowler said.
“When I was in James’ position, for example, in the 2008 U.S. Open, playing for the first time as an amateur against so many professionals, I shared his mentality. I didn’t always pose inquiries. I gained knowledge by watching.” James said.
Fowler can relate to what Dumont de Chassart and Castillo did in back-to-back weeks, even if it was while on the Korn Ferry Tour. Bennett’s T16 finish in the Masters, T43 finish at the U.S. Open, and making the cut at the Memorial and RBC Canadian Open all prove this.
“These boys grew up playing the current game, which is speed. When you add correct fitting to what they have been pursuing and developing, it feels natural to them when they come out here,” said Fowler.
The exit was the one aspect that wasn’t typical. Fowler shook people’s hands at the 18th hole, chatted with a few pals, and then headed in one direction towards a gathering of PGA TOUR players.
James thanked Fowler for the enjoyable company, recognized the Puma representatives present, and then turned to leave. However, PGA TOUR players’ meetings seem to be in the near future for him.
