BMW Championship: Rickie Fowler eyes Tour Championship after 1st round

Rickie Fowler is sort of accustomed to Olympia Fields. He gained on the iconic venue in 2007, when he performed at Oklahoma State.

So unsurprisingly, he’s contending there once more this 12 months.

After opening with a 4-under 66 Thursday, Fowler sits one again of Rory McIlroy and Brian Harman on the BMW Championship.

The previous Cowboy wants a very good efficiency this week to solidify his standing in Atlanta for the Tour Championship.

At the moment ranked twelfth within the FedEx Cup rankings, Fowler has had East Lake on his thoughts for the reason that starting of the 12 months—solely the highest 30 golfers advance from the BMW Championship to the Tour Championship.

“You do not essentially should win, however it’s important to play properly and have some good finishes to make it to East Lake,” Fowler mentioned.

“Having the ability to lock that up earlier than the Playoffs says so much in regards to the 12 months, particularly with the win in there. Or you are able to do it the opposite manner, Lucas Glover-style, win and get in, after which win once more and lock it up that manner.”

Photograph by Stacy Revere/Getty Pictures

Earlier than successful the Rocket Mortgage Basic in early July, Fowler was within the midst of a victory drought that spanned seven years.

However he has turned it round in 2023, as he additionally has eight high 10s and 16 high 25s.

He has gotten near successful a number of occasions this 12 months too, and this week isn’t any exception. At one level, the 34-year-old shared the lead with McIlroy and Harman. However Fowler put his tee shot within the pond to the appropriate of the seventeenth fairway and made a pricey bogey. That dropped him again to 4-under.

But, he’s nonetheless in rivalry, hoping to place himself additional into the Ryder Cup dialogue. Ought to he play properly sufficient over the subsequent three days, Fowler could have a reasonably good case for captain Zach Johnson.

Within the quick time period, nevertheless, Fowler is concentrated on Atlanta. He’s already within the area subsequent week, however that doesn’t imply he is not going to struggle for an additional win at Olympia Fields. A victory would vault Fowler up the FedEx Cup rankings, thus enhancing the place he begins the Tour Championship within the handicapped format.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By way of. You may comply with her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and on Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports for extra golf protection. You should definitely try @_PlayingThrough too.