Memphis, TN-Rickie Fowler, who quickly became one of the most recognizable “young guns” on the PGA TOUR because of a flowing hair style, flat-brimmed hat and bright attire, will make his first appearance in the FedEx St. Jude Classic next month. Also committing were Graeme McDowell and French sensation Victor Dubuisson.
Fowler, will be making his first appearance at the FedEx St. Jude Classic, June 2-8, at TPC Southwind.
“We’ve been working on Rickie for a number of years…and for a number of reasons,” said Phil Cannon, FESJC tournament director. “Rickie has created one of the most powerful brands in pro sports. In fact, the opening to the CBS golf telecast each weekend features five players: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott and Rickie Fowler. That’s powerful stuff.”
The commitment from Fowler, now 25, adds to a star-quality FESJC field that includes Phil Mickelson (11th in Official World Golf Rankings), Zach Johnson (13), Dustin Johnson (14), Patrick Reed and defending champion Harris English.
Fowler, ranked 37th in the world, burst onto the TOUR with Rookie of the Year honors in 2010, confirming the high expectations. In 2010, at the age of 21, he became the youngest U. S. Ryder Cup player of all time, and was widely hailed on the final day when he birdied the last four holes to halve his match against Edoardo Molinari.
His lone PGA TOUR victory came at the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship, where he won in a playoff over Rory McIlroy and D. A. Points. He also has one Asian Tour victory – the 2011 Kolon Korea Open, where he won by six shots over McIlroy.
Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell says his biggest thrill was standing on the 18th green at Pebble Beach as the winner of the 2010 U. S. Open championship, his first victory on the PGA TOUR. He became a two-time TOUR winner in 2013 at the RBC Heritage.
In 2009, McDowell tied for seventh at the FedEx St. Jude Classic. He is currently ranked 16th in the Official World Golf Rankings.
Frenchman Victor Dubuisson, winner of the 2009 European Amateur championship, gained immediate attention earlier this year when he finished as runner-up to Jason Day on the fifth hole of a playoff at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.
After turning pro in 2010 following participation in The (British) Open Championship, Dubuisson qualified for the European Tour. His first of two victories as a professional was at the 2013 Turkish Airlines Open.
Dubuisson, ranked 23rd in the world, will be playing in the FESJC for the first time.
–stjudeclassic.com–
