Rickie Fowler’s absence from this year’s Masters—and specifically the Par-3 Contest—has left a noticeable void, especially for his close friend Jordan Spieth. While the Par-3 Contest has always been a fun, family-filled tradition that offers a rare lighthearted moment before the intensity of the tournament kicks in, it also brings nostalgic value for players like Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Fowler himself.
Spieth’s remarks, reflecting on the “full circle” of life—once goofing around with Fowler and Thomas making hole-in-one bets, now chasing toddlers like his son Sammy around the course—show just how deeply personal this event is for the players. He clearly missed having Fowler there, not just as a fellow golfer, but as a close friend and father who shared in those same memories just a year ago. Fowler’s 2023 win at the Par-3 Contest, with his wife Allison caddying and baby Maya in tow, was a fan-favorite moment and a reminder of how much heart the event carries.
His absence, due to OWGR (Official World Golf Ranking) restrictions, raises real questions. While the rules are in place to maintain merit-based entry, many feel Fowler’s legacy and recent resurgence deserve more respect. His charisma, fanbase, and the joy he brings to the game—especially in events like this—make the case for reconsidering how strict qualifications may be unintentionally robbing the tournament of its soul.
It’s more than just a missed name on the scorecard. It’s about presence. Tradition. And as Spieth showed, it’s about friendship and growing families intertwined with the sport they love. Fowler’s absence wasn’t just noted—it was felt.
So the question stands: Should OWGR policies evolve to allow for legacy invites or exceptions for iconic players who bring more than just rankings to the game?