JP McMANUS PRO-AM:IT SAYS all you need to know about Rickie Fowler that, even without a win on the US Tour this season, the man dressed in orange has made as big an impact as any in the vacuum left by Tiger Woods, who has made only infrequent appearances on tour this season.
Now Fowler is headed for Adare Manor.
Yesterday, the colourful 21-year-old Californian was confirmed for the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am, which takes place on July 5th-6th.
The increasingly strong field will also be boosted by JB Holmes and John Daly, two of the longest-hitters in the game.
Fowler, who turned professional after leading the US to victory in last year’s Walker Cup, has made a seamless move into the professional ranks.
Indeed, he has improved from 251st in the world rankings at the start of the year to 54th
This includes a runner-up finish to Ben Crane in the Phoenix Open among an impressive run of results.
Anthony Kim, who had committed to playing prior to undergoing surgery, has been forced to withdraw.
The addition of the American trio to a field which also includes Adam Scott, winner of the Texas Open on Sunday, world number three Lee Westwood, Jim Furyk, Ernie Els, Paul Casey, Ian Poulter, Robert Allenby, Camilo Villegas, Angel Cabrera, Luke Donald and Nick Watney, as well as a home contingent featuring Pádraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, was welcomed by the tournament host JP McManus.
“We’re delighted JB, Rickie and John have all agreed to play in the tournament,” McManus said.
“JB and Rickie are two of the most exciting young players on tour and we are sure they will make a major connection with the Irish crowds.
“John is an old friend of Irish golf fans, remains as popular as ever and we appreciate his support for the tournament.”
Entrance caps, priced €50, can be purchased on www.jpmcmanusproam.com for the 36-hole tournament.
Woods signs on fow St. Andrews
TIGER WOODS yesterday filed his entry for the British Open in July and so – injured neck permitting – will try to win at St Andrews for the third time in a row.
The world number one won by a massive eight shots in 2000, just a month after a major-record 15-stroke victory in the US Open at Pebble Beach. He then returned to the Home of Golf in 2005 and won by five.
Woods has still to announce when he will next appear after withdrawing from the Players’ Championship in Florida seven holes into his final round nine days ago.
A scan revealed that he was suffering from an inflamed facet joint, and he said: “I now need to take care of this condition and will return to playing golf when I’m physically able.”
He is expected to be fit to defend his Memorial title in Ohio on June 3rd-6th, and two weeks later comes the US Open back at Pebble Beach.
