24th Jan 2012 | Farmers Insurance Open
Farmers Insurance Open Golf Tips: Rickie Fowler
Born in California: he has enjoyed some of his best results at Torrey Pines with a T5 finish in 2010.
It is probably fair to say Rickie Fowler didn’t live up to the hype in 2011. Apart from the garish clothing, the media frenzy that surrounded him was not of his own doing though. With the spotlight dimmed, 2012 could be the year he fulfils the promise.
The Farmers Insurance Open is a good place to start for the 23-year-old from California. Considered a home tournament, Torrey Pines is a course that has always suited him. He first came to prominence as an amateur when he finished T60 at the 2008 US Open. Since then he has been back to Torrey Pines twice on the PGA Tour with finishes of T5-T20.
A big hitter and a prodigious birdie machine, he ranked 6th on tour for birdies last year; his game is made for Torrey Pines. Last year an opening round of 65 left Fowler in second place but he was unable to capitalise on his fast start. A driving accuracy of 43% was to blame and issues off the tee blighted his start to 2011.
As the year progressed, there were signs the driver was becoming more reliable, with Fowler regular finding 60%+ of fairways. A T2 at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in July showed what he is capable of when on song.
At 28/1 with Boylesports he rates a good value each way bet, with ¼ odds for a top-5 finish.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 14:10 24th Jan, 2012 but subject to change
