Fowler backing Ryder Cup task force
Unlike some of the older guard in American golf, Rickie Fowler is in favour of the newly formed Ryder Cup task force.
Several senior players, including the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Fred Couples have described the new task force as unnecessary and an over-reaction, but Fowler, who was part of the American side beaten at Gleneagles in September and is by far the youngest member of the new task force, believes an open exchange of ideas could be beneficial to the US team.
“I don’t think it’s going to be a waste of time at all,” the 25-year-old said after finishing three shots behind leader Graeme McDowell at the WGC-HSBC Champions on Saturday.
“If we can figure some things out moving forward to [help us win], then I’m all for it. I’m looking forward to getting together with the guys, everyone that’s involved, and see what everyone has to say. It’s a pretty impressive group of guys.
“If I have to sit in on a few meetings for us to win back the cup, I’m happy to do it.”
Fowler was specifically selected to be the voice of the younger generation on the task force.
“There’s a lot of stuff you can get into,” he said. “How the team is selected, how guys get on the team, are there later picks or a couple early locks? When you get over there, how much time do you spend on course, off course? Little things. That’s just a start.
“Obviously, we want to win the cup. I don’t think there’s been a lack of motivation or anything like that. It sucks losing.”
Fowler also admitted that some of what occurred amongst the American side after their Ryder Cup defeat was unfortunate.
That included Phil Mickelson’s public rebuke of captain Tom Watson at the post-tournament press conference.
“The stuff that happens in the team room that’s said to the team behind closed doors, should stay there,” he added.
“I thought Tom did a great job as far as talking to the guys. He’s been there plenty of times. I enjoyed the time I got to spend with him. He’s a legend. Some of the stuff may have gotten a little blown out of proportion, but we obviously didn’t play well enough to win, and that has to change.”
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