Rickie Fowler knows better than anyone else that the Masters is a special tournament with special rules.
Back in 2011, Fowler was a young golfer making his name and blazing a path.
He also had a highly unique fashion style, which included matching clothing and hats.
But rules are rules at Augusta, and Fowler quickly learned that he had to adapt at golf’s most prestigious event — or else.
A then 22-year-old Fowler sat for an interview in the Masters media centre with his classic look, which involved a hat worn backward.
He was quickly asked by an Augusta National member to turn the hat around so that it faced the proper direction.
Fowler replied with what seemed like obvious reasoning — he wore his hat backward so people could see his face easier.
That didn’t fly at the Masters.
Fowler was asked for the second time to turn his hat around.
The future six-time PGA Tour winner and Players Championship trophy recipient relented, giving way to the tradition and rules that make the Masters what it is.
Fowler, 35, has won more than $49 million since his 2009 pro debut. After trading a dirt-bike riding career for golf, he’s captured the Rocket Mortgage Classic and Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Fowler has an invite to the 2024 Masters, which begins in Augusta, Georgia and excitement at the start of the week has increased owing to the presence of Tiger Woods, a five-time champion, on the greens.
Woods had not played a tournament since withdrawing from the Genesis in February and skipping The Players Championship in March seems to have his focus set on playing at Augusta.
Woods practiced at Augusta National Golf Club and all indications are that he will play in the 2024 tournament.
He’s also on the list of media interviews.
In 2023, Woods questioned his Masters future after withdrawing due to pain from plantar fasciitis.
Dating back to 1934, the Masters has been home to some of golf’s greatest moments.
It also has old-school strict rules.
Autographs, cellphones and cameras are no-nos.
Running also isn’t allowed, with walking emphasised throughout the course.
Sitting on the lush, green grass is also forbidden.
The same for chairs with arm rests.
As a young Fowler learned in 2011, the Masters is a special place — as long as you don’t wear a hat backward.
The last Masters invite for 2024 went to 22-year-old Akshay Bhatia, who shook off a dislocated shoulder to win the Valero Texas Open in a playoff.
Bhatia, who became the first player in history to participate in the Drive, Chip and Putt event and then officially earn a Masters trip, will soon learn all the intricate rules that are at the core of Augusta in April.
And it’s a steep learning curve, with a previous rookie finding out very quickly.
Like Fowler, Talor Gooch fell foul of the hefty and extensive rulebook.
Ahead of the 2022 iteration, the American star, now on the LIV Golf books, went out onto the practice green wearing black shorts.
Onlookers were understandably a little nervy but eventually Augusta National Co-Head Professional J.J. Weaver put Gooch right.
Minutes later black trousers arrived allowing him to cover up.
And he finished T14 with Scottie Scheffler beating Rory McIlroy to the green jacket that year.
This year, Gooch has been a big name ahead of the tournament – but not because he’s in it.
The LIV star wasn’t hadn’t an invitation and as a result claimed that any win for McIlroy would have an asterix on it due to his absence.
The Masters is set for April 11-14 in Georgia.
Scheffler, McIlroy, Woods, and Jon Rahm, are among the big names expected to hit the storied greens.
News Summary:
- Rickie Fowler broke strict Masters rule and official had to tell him twice
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