After reuniting with his former coach in 2023, Rickie Fowler experienced a career resurgence that has brought him back into contention on the PGA Tour. Despite struggling and dropping to a career-low ranking in the Official World Golf Ranking in mid-2022, Fowler remained a favorite among fans. His performance at the 2023 U.S. Open, where he opened with a record-setting 62, and his victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in July of that year, have shown that Fowler is back to where his admirers believe he belongs. Reuniting with Butch Harmon, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher Hall of Famer, has played a significant role in Fowler’s turnaround.
Early in Fowler’s PGA career, he struggled with a flat and laid-off swing that Harmon immediately began working on to make more orthodox. The four-and-a-half-year winless streak that Fowler experienced between 2019 and 2023 prompted him to work even harder to transition into a more traditional swing. His second run with Butch Harmon and time spent with John Tillery in 2022 have helped Fowler improve his swing mechanics, leading to increased confidence, particularly in his putting. Fowler’s revamped swing has tidied up his takeaway, positioning him in a much better place at the top of his backswing.
Fowler’s improved swing can be broken down into key elements, starting with his address position where he positions the last three fingers of his gloved hand near perpendicular to the shaft. This helps prevent power loss by reducing the angle between the lead arm and the club. In his takeaway, Fowler has corrected his hands-in, clubhead-out motion, leading to a more efficient swing path. At the top of his swing, Fowler now points his thumbs towards his back ear, creating an optimal position for power generation.
During the downswing, Fowler focuses on not over-flattening the shaft, a common teaching point from Harmon. By keeping the shaft slightly above his rear forearm, Fowler achieves the ideal delivery position. Through impact, Fowler continues to push off his rear leg, maintaining a power-rich track through the hitting zone. His release is characterized by a bending left wrist and arching right wrist, showcasing his commitment to aggressive club release. This sequence of swing elements contributes to Fowler’s improved ball striking and overall performance on the course.
By implementing these changes to his swing, Rickie Fowler has positioned himself for continued success on the PGA Tour. His partnership with Butch Harmon has proven to be fruitful, helping him regain confidence and competitive form after a challenging period in his career. As Fowler continues to refine his swing and improve his overall game, fans can expect to see more impressive performances and victories from this talented and determined golfer. Rickie Fowler’s career resurgence serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of effective coaching on professional athletes.
