Rickie Fowler’s career trajectory has taken a sharp downturn in recent years, a stark contrast to the promise he showed in his early days on the PGA Tour. Once a dominant force, the 2010 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year was a regular contender in major championships, highlighted by his four consecutive top-five finishes in 2014. However, those days feel distant now. In his last 20 major starts, he has managed just one top-five finish, a concerning statistic that underscores his struggles on the course.
A Crucial Decision in a Pivotal Season
At this critical point in his career, Fowler made a surprising decision—he will not compete in the upcoming Valspar Championship, scheduled for March 20-23. Given his history, the choice seems understandable; he has played the event only once, back in 2010, when it was called the Transitions Championship. That year, he finished a disappointing T46 at one over par, and since then, he has consistently opted for other tournaments such as the Valero Texas Open or the Houston Open.
However, the timing of this decision raises eyebrows. Fowler has yet to qualify for the Masters at Augusta National, where he achieved his best-ever major finish—second place in 2018. To secure a spot, he must either win one of the upcoming tournaments or finish as the runner-up in a highly competitive field at The Players Championship. By skipping the Valspar Championship, he significantly reduces his opportunities to qualify, effectively making the Texas-based tournaments—Valero Texas Open and potentially the Houston Open—must-win events.
Fans and Analysts Question the Move
Fowler’s decision sparked debate among fans and analysts. Some viewed it as a misstep, arguing that playing in every available tournament would increase his chances of qualifying for Augusta. Others speculated that he might be prioritizing his long-term game over a rushed attempt to secure a Masters invitation.
One fan suggested that Fowler’s decision might indicate he has accepted missing Augusta this year or that he has supreme confidence in his ability to win one of the upcoming tournaments. “Either he’s okay with missing Augusta, or he’s confident he can get it done this week. Either way, it’s a shocking decision,” the fan noted.
Another fan held out hope that Fowler would still enter the Texas Children’s Houston Open, a tournament where he has played multiple times before, though not since 2018. That year, he finished T43 at eight under par, a performance that doesn’t guarantee success but at least offers familiarity with the course. “He’ll join Houston, I’m sure,” the fan predicted.
Some fans took an even more optimistic view, believing Fowler is still in a position to secure his Masters spot. “He’s getting solo first this Sunday anyways,” one fan boldly declared, referencing his performance at The Players Championship, where he stood at T16 with a score of five under par, six strokes off the lead.
A Shift Toward a New Role?
Among the more intriguing takes was the suggestion that Fowler might be considering a career transition. One fan speculated that, like Kevin Kisner—who is working as an analyst for NBC during The Players Championship—Fowler could eventually shift to broadcasting. “Maybe he’s resigned to joining Kisner in the booth?” the fan questioned. However, despite his recent struggles, Fowler is still in his prime, and any move away from competitive golf seems premature.
What Comes Next?
Fowler’s choice to skip the Valspar Championship could prove to be a defining moment in his season. If he secures a high finish at The Players Championship or wins one of the Texas-based tournaments, the decision will be seen as a calculated risk that paid off. However, if he falls short, it will be remembered as a missed opportunity that cost him a spot at Augusta.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Fowler to see whether he can turn things around and reclaim his place among golf’s elite—or if this marks another step in his decline.