Test Interview - Rickie Fowler
We recently had the chance to interview Rickie Fowler, one of the most dynamic and popular figures in professional golf. Known for his colorful style and competitive spirit, Fowler shared his experiences, insights, and advice on the game that has defined his life.
1. Q: Rickie, what inspired you to start playing golf?
A: My grandfather introduced me to the game when I was young, and I fell in love with it immediately. He would take me out to the course on weekends, and I was mesmerized by the beauty of the game and the challenge it presented. I remember the first time I swung a club and made solid contact with the ball—it was like a lightbulb went off in my head, and from that moment on, I was hooked. Golf became more than just a hobby for me; it became a passion and eventually a career.
2. Q: What's your favorite golf course to play on?
A: Augusta National. The history and the beauty of the course make it truly special. Every time I step onto the grounds at Augusta, I feel a sense of awe and reverence for the game. The layout is challenging yet fair, and there's a magical quality to the place that you can't find anywhere else. Plus, winning the Masters is every golfer's dream, so there's always that extra motivation when I play there.
3. Q: How do you handle the pressure during big tournaments?
A: Handling pressure is all about mindset and preparation. I try to stay focused on my game and not let the pressure get to me. Deep breaths and staying in the moment help a lot. I also rely on my experience and the support of my team to keep me grounded and focused on the task at hand. It's not always easy, but over the years, I've learned how to embrace the pressure and use it to fuel my performance rather than letting it overwhelm me.
4. Q: What's the most memorable moment of your career so far?
A: Probably my win at the Players Championship in 2015. It was a breakthrough moment for me. Winning such a prestigious event against a stacked field of competitors was incredibly rewarding and gave me a huge confidence boost. Plus, the way I played that week, especially down the stretch on Sunday, is something I'll never forget. It was validation for all the hard work and sacrifices I've made throughout my career, and it's a moment I'll cherish forever.
5. Q: Who is your biggest rival on the tour?
A: There are so many talented players out there, but I always enjoy competing against guys like Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth. We've had some great battles over the years, and they always bring out the best in me. It's a friendly rivalry, but when we're on the course, we're all fierce competitors trying to win. That's what makes golf so exciting—the competition and the camaraderie among players.
6. Q: What's your favorite club in your bag?
A: I love my driver. There's nothing quite like hitting a perfect drive down the fairway. It sets the tone for the rest of the hole and gives me a confidence boost knowing that I'm in a good position off the tee. Plus, there's something exhilarating about watching the ball soar through the air and land exactly where you want it to. It's one of the best feelings in golf.
7. Q: How do you stay motivated during tough times on the course?
A: Staying motivated during tough times is all about mindset and perspective. I remind myself that every golfer goes through ups and downs, and it's how you respond to adversity that defines you as a player. I try to focus on the process rather than the outcome, trusting in my abilities and staying patient knowing that success will come if I keep putting in the work. I also draw motivation from my love for the game and the desire to constantly improve and push myself to new heights.
8. Q: What's your pre-tournament routine like?
A: My pre-tournament routine is pretty consistent. I like to get to the course early to give myself plenty of time to warm up and get into the right mindset. I'll start with some light stretching and mobility exercises to loosen up my muscles, then I'll hit balls on the range to groove my swing and find my rhythm. After that, I'll spend some time on the putting green to get a feel for the speed and break of the greens. I also like to visualize myself hitting good shots and executing my game plan for the round ahead. It's all about preparing myself mentally and physically to perform at my best when it matters most.
9. Q: What's the biggest lesson you've learned from golf?
A: Patience. Golf teaches you that you can't control everything, and sometimes you just have to roll with the punches. There are so many variables at play—weather conditions, course setup, bad bounces, etc.—that you have to learn to adapt and stay patient when things aren't going your way. It's a humbling game that teaches you resilience and mental toughness, and those are lessons that translate beyond the golf course into all areas of life.
10. Q: How do you unwind off the course?
A: Off the course, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing other sports like basketball and surfing, and just relaxing at home. It's important to have balance in life and not let golf consume you completely. I find that engaging in other activities helps me recharge mentally and emotionally and keeps me fresh and motivated when I'm on the course. Plus, spending time with loved ones reminds me what's truly important in life and helps keep everything in perspective.
11. Q: What's your favorite golf movie?
A: "Caddyshack." It's a classic! I love the humor and the iconic characters, and it's just a fun movie to watch, especially for golfers like myself. Plus, it captures the spirit of the game and the unique culture of the golf world in a way that few other movies have been able to do.
12. Q: What's your go-to snack during a round?
A: I usually have some nuts or a protein bar to keep my energy up. Golf rounds can be long and physically demanding, especially in hot weather, so it's important to stay fueled and hydrated throughout the day. I try to eat snacks that are healthy and provide sustained energy without weighing me down or causing any digestive issues on the course. It's all about finding the right balance between nutrition and performance.
13. Q: What advice would you give to young golfers?
A: Work hard, stay patient, and always believe in yourself. And remember to have fun out there! Golf is a challenging game that requires dedication and perseverance, but it's also incredibly rewarding and enjoyable when you approach it with the right attitude. Don't get discouraged by setbacks or failures along the way; use them as opportunities to learn and grow stronger. And most importantly, never lose sight of why you fell in love with the game in the first place. Keep that passion alive, and the sky's the limit.
14. Q: If you weren't a professional golfer, what do you think you'd be doing?
A: Tough question! Maybe something in sports broadcasting or coaching. I've always been passionate about golf and love sharing my knowledge and insights with others, so I could see myself working as a commentator or analyst for golf broadcasts. I also enjoy working with kids and helping them develop their skills and passion for the game, so coaching could be another avenue I'd explore. Whatever path I might have taken, I know it would have been something related to sports and helping others reach their full potential.
15. Q: Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
A: Definitely my family. They've always been there for me, supporting me every step of the way. From my parents driving me to tournaments and practices as a kid to my wife traveling with me on tour and providing unwavering encouragement and love, I owe so much of my success to their belief in me. They've sacrificed so much to help me pursue my dreams, and I'm forever grateful for their love and support.
16. Q: What's your favorite golf memory from your childhood?
A: Playing rounds with my grandfather. Those are some of my fondest memories. He was the one who introduced me to the game and taught me the fundamentals, and I'll always cherish the time we spent together on the course. He had this infectious love for golf that was impossible to resist, and he instilled in me a passion for the game that has stayed with me to this day. Every time I step onto the course, I feel his presence with me, cheering me on and guiding me along the way.
17. Q: What's your favorite thing about being a professional golfer?
A: Traveling the world and competing against the best players in the game. One of the greatest perks of being a professional golfer is getting to visit some of the most beautiful and iconic golf courses around the world and experiencing different cultures and customs along the way. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to do what I love for a living and to test my skills against the top talent in the sport. It's a privilege and an honor that I never take for granted.
18. Q: What's one thing about golf that you wish more people understood?
A: How mentally challenging it can be. It's not just about hitting the ball; it's about staying focused and managing your emotions, especially under pressure. Golf is as much a mental game as it is physical, if not more so, and mastering the mental side of the game is key to success at any level. From staying calm and confident in high-pressure situations to maintaining focus and composure after a bad shot, there are so many mental skills that golfers need to develop to perform at their best. It's something that's often overlooked by casual fans or non-golfers, but anyone who's played the game knows just how important it is.
19. Q: How do you approach difficult holes on a course?
A: I try to approach difficult holes with a positive mindset and a strategic game plan. Rather than getting intimidated by the challenge, I break the hole down into smaller, manageable parts and focus on executing each shot to the best of my ability. I'll identify the key hazards and landing areas off the tee and then make smart decisions based on the conditions and my strengths as a player
