Rickie Fowler hits back at LIV Golf rumours following first PGA Tour event of season.
Rickie Fowler has declared he has “zero plans to go anywhere” in light of his name being linked on social media with a move from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf in 2024.
Fowler, 35, was contacted by Golfweek regarding the LIV Golf rumors following his dismal 56th place finish in the 59-man Sentry tournament held in Hawaii.
The six-time major champion acknowledged that he hardly uses social media these days and that he was unaware that he was being linked to a move to the Saudi Arabian-sponsored circuit.
In addition to expressing his satisfaction with the PGA Tour’s current direction, Fowler highlighted the excellent work being done by players like Jordan Spieth, Patrick Cantlay, and Tiger Woods on the board.
Speaking to Golfweek, Fowler said in response to being linked to LIV Golf:
“That is not a concern for you. I’ve never seen anyone on the phone as much as the guys on the (PGA Tour) board, especially after spending some time with (Patrick) Cantlay during the off-season and in the run-up to this event. These guys are dedicating a great deal of time and energy to it. Last year, I was on the PAC, but I’ve tried to keep out of the way because I trust the guys that are there. I simply have faith that Jordan, Cantlay, Tiger, and the other guys will all wind up in good places, and I have no plans to move.”
He added:
“I’m not very active on social media. Though I rarely see anything discussed on Instagram, I sort of run everything through it. I suppose it’s just the times we live in. Anything can be put out there, so there’s only so much you can trust or believe. I’m really looking forward to what lies ahead for me and the Tour, as well as the time and work these guys have been putting in.”
After the American lost one of his long-term sponsorship deals with Farmers, which is the sponsor of the upcoming Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego, Fowler’s name appeared to jump to the top of the LIV Golf rumor mill last week.
According to Fowler, only the deal was up, and the decision to not extend came from the leadership.
“I was informed that they had no plans to extend or renew my contract when it came to an end. Their takeover of Torrey, a tournament I adored and which was closest to my hometown, was a perfect fit. They made the decision to cut back, and I had a great time working with them on the humorous commercials over the years.”
In addition, Fowler told Golfweek that while his team is collaborating with Rocket Mortgage on a potential future collaboration, another agreement he had with the company expired at the end of 2023, which is why the logo was taken off his polo shirt.
“We are working on a plan to proceed, but it is not yet complete. I believe there’s a good chance we’ll get the logo and continue our partnership there.
July 2023 saw Fowler win his first PGA Tour title in almost four and a half years, at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
What does the ‘L’ stand for on Rickie Fowler’s golf cap at The Sentry?
Puma, Fowler, and Wailani Artates, a Maui artist, worked together to create awareness and collect money to aid in the ongoing recovery and reconstruction efforts in Maui and the severely damaged town of Lahaina.
The hat is no longer available.
The Maui United Way and Lahainaluna High School received the cap’s proceeds.
