Rickie Fowler entered the 88th Masters Tournament looking to become the first ever Masters Par-3 champion to also win the Green Jacket the same year.
He will fall woefully short of that goal as he just barely made the cut on the number at 6-over par.
Unlike most players who were doomed by the wind Friday, it was actually Fowler’s opening round 76 that crushed his hopes.
Nevertheless, he bounced back Saturday to post a strong round of 1-under 71.
Afterwards, he was asked about the Masters Par-3 curse.
“It’s got to be broken at some point.”
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
“You know, tough conditions first two days. I got off to a tough start the first and just kind of trying to battle back after that… I thought it will always be fun to try and do both. I’ve got one leg of it. Got work on the big course next.
Despite not being in contention, Fowler managed to keep things in perspective.
“It’s cool winning the par-3 contest and being a part of that, having that is something, and to have done with it Maya and my wife on the bag.”
He was also given a nice trophy for his efforts Wednesday.
“I got some great crystal, nice Crystal bowl out of it. Got my name over there forever. Whether they like it or not, my name is a part of Augusta forever.”
The former Oklahoma State Cowboy snapped his winless drought at the Rocket Mortgage Classic last year. His play down the stretch earned him a spot on Team USA’s Ryder Cup team as well.
But thus far in 2024, Fowler has reverted back to his poor form. He has made nine starts with three missed cuts. His best finish was T35 at the Genesis Invitational.
But as he said, he’ll always have his name on that crystal bowl.
Kendall Capps is the Senior Editor of SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social media platforms.
