Rickie Fowler Rises in FedExCup Standings—But He Wants More

Although the four major tournaments in professional golf have concluded, there remains significant prize money and recognition available throughout the coming month.

The Wyndham Championship, part of the PGA Tour, kicks off on Thursday at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina. This event serves as the last competition prior to the $100 million FedEx Cup Playoffs. As such, it offers players their final opportunity to earn FedEx Cup points and secure one of the 70 invitations to next week’s $20 million FedEx St. Jude Championship.

Rickie Fowler starts play on Thursday with a rank of 52th on the point standings, ensuring him an opportunity to participate in Memphis. However, only the top 50 golfers qualify for the next event, the BMW Championship, and just the top 30 will have a chance to vie for the $60 million prize at the Tour Championship.

There's ample reason to perform well at Sedgefield.

"Yep, I'm certain there's some solid golf ahead for me, and it would be nice if it occurred in the upcoming weeks," Fowler stated on Wednesday.

A 36-year-old Fowler has consistently moved up the point rankings after tying for 15th at the Truist Classic in mid-May. He finished tied for 16th at the Charles Schwab Challenge, was among the top seven at the Memorial, shared 18th place at the John Deere, and earned a tie for 14th at the Open Championship with a final round score of 65.

Why has the California-born athlete experienced an upswing lately? Like many competitors, he has not faced as many injury issues recently.

Working on making my body feel better," he said. "I've had some challenges. Yes, I've been in a better place and have been able to go out and play without as much pain as possible. But that has probably been one of the main issues—letting myself play.

Certainly positive to witness some progress in the correct way, with strong concluding performances. Yes, I'm eager to potentially put together a decent stretch and wrap up the season well.

Fowler placed 101st in the previous year's FedEx Cup point rankings and wasn't able to compete in either the Masters or the U.S. Open this season, making his return to the top 70 a significant accomplishment.

However, placing within the top 50 would be even more remarkable since, besides the existing FedEx Cup prospects, it would grant entry into all eight premier tournaments next season. Every tournament offered a prize fund of $20 million this year.

--Field Level Media