Xander Schauffele showed true colours with comments about Rickie Fowler

The two have experienced contrasting fortunes in recent years, with Schauffele consistently challenging for majors and claiming his first two major titles in 2024, and Fowler dropping outside the top 100 at one point. But both golfers dazzled at last year’s US Open, and ripped up the record books together.

Each of them finished the opening round with scores of 62, matching the lowest round ever recorded in a men’s major. Achieving such an incredible feat was staggering enough, but to have two players hit that mark on the same day left fans and pundits alike astounded.

In his post-round press conference, Schauffele – now 30 – was asked for opinion of Fowler, and couldn’t have been nicer about him. “Yeah, Rick’s awesome,” gushed Schauffele. “He’s truly probably one of the nicest guys out here. I mean that when I say it. I couldn’t be happier for him to see him in good form.

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“Being in Florida [where both players live] a little bit more now, I’ve played some games with him, and he’s just a pleasure to be around. It’s not surprising to see him shoot eight under, either. I’m happy that he’s able get back into good form and can compete at a high level.”

Over the years, Fowler, 35, has developed a charming habit of sticking around to congratulate his victorious colleagues as they exit the 18th green at the end of tournaments. So, after a couple of years of disappointing form, it must have been a pleasant change to walk off the 18th with others patting him on the back.

The California-born golfer’s situation became so dire that he almost lost his playing rights. In 2022, he qualified for only one of the four majors and ended up in 125th place in the FedEx Cup standings, securing the very last PGA Tour card.

However, things appear to be moving in the right direction for Fowler. A tie for 16th and a tie for 23rd in the FedEx Fall Series has, according to the man himself, “knocked the rust off”, and now he’s focused on Japan – a country dear to him due to his maternal grandfather – and the Zozo Championship, a tournament he finished runner-up in two years ago.

Fowler (L) and Schauffele (R) have always had a good relationship
The competition, which is the first ever PGA Tour event to be sanctioned in Japan, begins on Thursday. World No. 2 Schauffele and reigning champion Collin Morikawa are among the favourites.

Schauffele will be aiming to round off his remarkable year with a win, especially if he hopes to dethrone Scottie Scheffler as World No. 1. When quizzed about what it would take to achieve this, the American responded: “I mean, it seems I need to have the best career ever… I just had my best career ever and wasn’t really close.

“I’m pretty content with how I played and where my game is at. If I can keep on doing what I’m doing, I’d be very pleased.”