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The latest survey was unanimous, not anonymous. Rickie Fowler can deliver the goods.
Facing a five-shot deficit with six holes to play, Fowler produced the greatest finish in the 34-year history of the TPC Sawgrass. In a three-man play-off on three of the most visually intimidating holes in golf, he never backed down.
I laughed at the poll. But yeah, if there was any question, I think this right here answers anything you need to know
Rickie Fowler 
And when he faced that nervous shot over the water to an island for the third time on Sunday, he was as good as ever.
No, there was nothing overrated about this kid.
Criticised in an anonymous survey by some of his peers for not being able to win, Fowler answered with a captivating victory at The Players Championship.
At a tournament that dresses up like a major, Fowler looked the part in beating the strongest field in golf with an array of shots that won’t be forgotten.
As for that survey?
“I laughed at the poll,” he said. “But yeah, if there was any question, I think this right here answers anything you need to know.”It was hard work.
He took six shots on the par-3 17th hole, which is not unusual for a Sunday except that Fowler played it three times.
And even with the record-setting finish at the Stadium Course – birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie on the last four holes for a 5-under 67 – Fowler still had to face Sergio Garcia and Kevin Kisner, who produced big shots of their own.
I look at this event as basically like a major. It has the major feel, obviously one of the best fields we play all year, on a tough golf course
Rickie Fowler
For the first time, The Players went to a three-hole aggregate play-off starting on the par-5 16th, where earlier Fowler hit a 3-wood into the breeze to 30 inches for an eagle that made this moment possible.
They all made pars on the 16th.
Kisner rolled in a breaking 10-foot birdie putt on the island-green 17th to keep pace with Fowler, who hit his tee shot to six feet and converted the birdie.
Garcia, who in regulation made a 45-foot birdie to give him new life, failed to repeat the putt from about the same range in the play-off. All three players made par on the final hole, which eliminated Garcia.
Fowler and Kisner headed back to the 17th hole for the third time. The great shots kept coming. Kisner barely cleared the mound and the ball settled 12 feet away. Fowler answered by taking on the right side of the green and sticking it just inside five feet.
Kisner finally missed.
It was the second time in a month that Kisner, winless in 102 starts, lost in a play-off despite making clutch putts.
“Golf is a hard and cruel game,” Kisner said. “But hats off. I mean, shoot, these guys are good, I’m telling you. Don’t give up on anybody.”
Fowler never seemed to miss over the final two hours, and he calmly clutched his fist to celebrate his first PGA Tour victory in three years.
“I’ve been waiting a long time for this,” Fowler said. “Back in the winner’s circle.”
Garcia, who had a two-shot lead heading to the back nine, closed with a 68. He had a 20-foot birdie putt to win in regulation that missed badly to the right. And he faced a crowd that was increasingly hostile to the Spaniard, perhaps remembering the tiff he had with Tiger Woods two years ago.
His caddie was asking for security when he made the turn. In the three-hole play-off, a small group of fans yelled, “USA!” as he took the putter back.
It marred what was other sheer brilliance, a most unforgettable final hour in a tournament that has a history of them.
For Fowler, the timing couldn’t have been better.
One of the questions in SI Golf’s annual player survey – players do not give their names – was to pick the most overrated player on the PGA Tour. Fowler and Ian Poulter shared first place at 24 per cent. Fowler has never faced this level of criticism. He is a favourite among fans and most players for his considerate behaviour.
He tried to play it down, though he said on more than one occasion this week that it would motivate him.
This will definitely give me momentum going into the U.S. Open and makes me feel confident about being in this situation and taking care of business
Rickie Fowler
The finish by Garcia and Kisner would have been talked about for years. On this day, thanks to Fowler, it was nearly an afterthought.
So were the two biggest names in golf. The action was that good.
Tiger Woods had a 72 and tied for 69th, his worst position ever in The Players Championship. Rory McIlroy, who started the final round four shots behind, didn’t get going until it was too late. He closed with a 70 and tied for eighth, four shots behind.
Associated Press


‘Overrated’ Rickie Fowler makes critics eat humble pie with masterclass at The Players

Rickie Fowler kisses his girlfriend, Alexis Randock, after winning the play-off at The Players Championship at the TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Photo: EPA

Rickie Fowler pumps his fist after sinking the winning putt. Photo: AP

Rickie Fowler sinks the putt to win the play-off. Photo: AFP

Rickie Fowler holds The Players Championship trophy. Photo: AP

Rickie Fowler embraces his girlfriend, Alexis Randrock, after sinking the winning putt on the 17th green in a sudden-death play-off. Photo: EPA

Rickie Fowler hits his tee shot on the 17th hole during the final round. Photo: USA Today Sports

Sport

Golf

American produces a stunning finish to beat 2008 champion Sergio Garcia and world number 123 Kevin Kisner in extra holes


The latest survey was unanimous, not anonymous. Rickie Fowler can deliver the goods. Facing a five-shot deficit with six holes to play, Fowler produced the greatest finish in the 34-year history of the TPC Sawgrass. In a three-man play-off on three of the most visually intimidating holes in golf, he never backed down.


‘Overrated’ Rickie Fowler makes critics eat humble pie with masterclass at The Players

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}American produces a stunning finish to beat 2008 champion Sergio Garcia and world number 123 Kevin Kisner in extra holes

American produces a stunning finish to beat 2008 champion Sergio Garcia and world number 123 Kevin Kisner in extra holes