Rickie Fowler has given himself a chance to win another PGA TOUR championship.
He intends to exploit a change.
In order to take the lead in the Rocket Mortgage Classic at 20 under par on Saturday, Fowler birdied six of his final eight holes, giving him another opportunity to snap a four-year winless streak on the PGA TOUR.
At Detroit Golf Club, Fowler shot an 8-under 64 to take a one-stroke lead over Adam Hadwin. “I’m not scared to fail, I’ve dealt with plenty of that,” he said.
Fowler wasted a chance at the U.S. Open two weeks ago in Los Angeles when he shot a final-round 75 to tie for sixth. He also fired a career-best 60 in the third round of last week’s Travelers Championship to contend, but he finished with a 69 to fall into a tie for 13th place.
“Felt so positive on Sunday of last week, nothing seemed to be happening or coming from it. Timing Sunday at the U.S. Open was a touch off.” Fowler said.
The 34-year-old Fowler has shared or held the lead after 54 holes ten times on the PGA TOUR, but he has only twice turned that advantage into a victory.
The 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open was Fowler’s sole victory in the previous 6 years; he has never claimed a major championship. He has made 96 starts since winning his last championship and is looking to snap his career-long winless streak and claim his 6th PGA TOUR victory.
“Whether it occurs on Sunday or not, it will eventually occur in this location.” Fowler, who has seven top-10 performances this season and is ranked No. 17 in the FedExCup standings, claimed that he has been playing a lot of really solid golf and putting himself in good positions.
“Without a doubt, this won’t be the last,” he said.
Hadwin tied the tournament record with a season-low 63.
“Getting out of your own way when things are going well is one of the hardest things to do when playing golf. I have experienced that,” he said.
The other Canadian, Taylor Pendrith, was third at 18 under after shooting a 67. At Detroit Golf Club, the heavy hitter bogeyed two of his final four holes.
Hadwin hopes to become the fifth Canadian to triumph on the PGA TOUR this year.
“Without a doubt, I don’t want to fall behind. Taylor and I are currently at the top of the leaderboard on Canada Day, which is really entertaining,” he said.
If Hadwin or Pendrith triumph at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, it will be the first time since six Australians triumphed in the 2013–14 season that five or more players from outside the United States have won on the PGA TOUR in a single season.
Aaron Rai (68), a Monday qualifier, and Peter Kuest (65) were both 17 under. Taylor Moore (69) was another stroke back alongside four other players, including Collin Morikawa, who shot a 67 for the second day in a row.
Lightning in the region caused play to be halted for 1 hour and 42 minutes, and the final round’s schedule was changed in an effort to finish it despite the likelihood of bad weather.
About five hours ahead of schedule, the leaders will start their round on Sunday just before 9 a.m. threesomes will then begin on both the front and back nines.
