ABU DHABI // The highlights reel of Rory McIlroy’s 2014 would comprise largely the same ingredients: trophies, be it the Claret Jug, Wanamaker or Ryder Cup; triumphant posturing before the world’s media; warm embraces with teammates, friends and family; Rickie Fowler.
Scan the most memorable moments of what proved to be a career year for golf’s No 1 and his American comrade is never too far away – whether placed temporarily out of focus, accepting yet another runner-up accolade, or offering a defeated handshake in the Sunday singles at Gleneagles.
The Open, the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup: McIlroy’s might translated to Fowler’s what-might-have-been.
Just like the rest of his peers during the latter part of last season, Fowler was typically second best. There is no shame in that; there was little else he could do.
“I played great, but unfortunately just came up against the hottest player in the world in 2014,” said Fowler, who renews his rivalry with McIlroy tomorrow when he makes his debut at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
“We have the next 20, 25 years to go back and forth against each other, and I’ll be trying my hardest this year to chase him down a bit and get a few wins of my own.
“I’m just going to keep working hard on my game and hopefully the titles will come.”
The portents are promising. Despite obvious disappointment in 2014, there was much to admire about Fowler’s game: measured solely in the majors, his consistency outstripped even that of his illustrious opponent. Or, for that matter, everyone else.
Of the 13 players to make the cut at every major last season, Fowler top scored with a cumulative 32-under par to take home what has become known as the Summative Slam.
His performances – tied-fifth at the Masters, joint runner-up at the US Open and the British Open, tied-third at the PGA Championship – meant Fowler became the third guy in modern major history to post four top-fives in the same calendar year. The others are Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
So, although 2014 did not include a cup, it attracted plenty of kudos. A large chunk of the credit goes to Butch Harmon, Fowler said, paying homage to the swing guru he joined in December 2013.
Fowler’s long-term coach, Barry McDonnell, died in 2011 and, after a few years of scraping around for stability, the young star settled with Harmon. He is reaping the rewards.
“Butch and I had been building my swing to be ready for the majors and had worked hard on making my action more repeatable and more consistent under pressure,” he said.
“So the results sort of came about from all of the hard work I put in on the range.
“Butch has been a big influence to me, but he has also been a great mentor. I know he was trying to take a step back from the game a little and not take on as many clients, but I’m glad he agreed to work with me. I’m glad to be part of his team.”
It bodes well for this season. Should he build on last year, Fowler will again challenge McIlroy at the summit, perhaps even get the better of him a few times.
He has in the past, pipping the Northern Irishman, five months his junior, to his two professional victories: in Korea in 2011 and at Quail Hollow a year later.
The pair go back further than that, though, having crossed swords at the 2007 Walker Cup, played at Royal County Down in Northern Ireland.
Fowler partnered Billy Horschel to defeat McIlroy and compatriot Jonathan Caldwell 2&1 in that competition on a course that is to host the next Irish Open – an event that will offer a chance for reminiscing as Fowler will compete there at the behest of McIlroy, the tournament’s new patron.
Yet there are a few matters to solve between then and now.
“The fact my two victories have come when he came second I guess only adds to our friendship, as we have something to add to our rivalry,” Fowler said.
“He has beaten me plenty of times, too, so I think we’ll continue to go back and forth over the years.
“I’m looking forward to that battle. It would be nice to start my season in Abu Dhabi by getting the better of him over the National Course.”
FOWLER ON RYDER CUP FORTUNES AHEAD FOR THE UNITED STATES
Fowler was a member of the vanquished US Ryder Cup team last October, defeated by Europe 16.5 points to 11.5 points. The European victory was their eighth in the past 10 clashes, prompting some serious introspection by their American counterparts.
Tom Watson, the US captain, bore the brunt, criticised for what was perceived to be insufficient leadership and an outmoded approach. It was first highlighted in a tetchy news conference in the immediate aftermath of the thrashing at Gleneagles.
Subsequently, the PGA of America announced the creation of an 11-man task force to help turn around the US team’s fortunes. Fowler, who has twice been on the losing side, is one of those guys.
On the task force
“I am honoured to be part of the Ryder Cup task force alongside some of the biggest names in US golf and am looking forward to trying to qualify for the team in 2016,” he said. “It is hard to say whether we need to play better or whether there is a tactical suggestion for the US team, but I know that we need to figure out a way of beating Europe in 2016. From my experience in 2010 and this year, I know that it is a week that everyone wants to be part of, and I hope I can be part of a winning team soon to see how much more fun it is.”
On Watson’s captaincy
“I thought Tom did a great job of talking to the guys. He has been there plenty of times and I enjoyed the time I got to spend with him. I respect him a lot, both on and off the course, and he is one of the true legends of the game. In terms of criticising him, some things may have got blown a little bit out of proportion, but the fact was we didn’t play as well as we needed to in order to win and Europe put together a great performance on home soil. Hopefully, we can do the same in 2016 in America.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter at SprtNationalUAE