Rickie Fowler's near misses at 2014 majors
Saturday 17 June 2017 19:33, UK
Rickie Fowler is one of a crop of notable players waiting for his first major title and the American is once again in a good position heading into the weekend’s play at the US Open at Erin Hills.
Fowler at six under, is one shot behind a four-way tie for the lead at the halfway stage, and will need to use his near miss experiences from previous major tournaments to his advantage if he is to win the 117th edition of the US Open.
We take a look back at Fowler's significant major performances, focusing on his incredible run in 2014 where he finished in the top five in all four majors in one calendar year, becoming the third person to do so after Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
Masters
Fowler began his strong run at the 2014 majors with a tied-fifth finish at the Masters at Augusta in the year Bubba Watson won his second green jacket.
Fowler, ended with a two-under score, to finish a full six shots behind Watson but when you remember that he carded a 75 on the Friday he recovered well over the weekend to force himself towards the top of the leader board.
A five-under-par 67 on Saturday moved Fowler into a tie for fifth place but the American failed to maintain that momentum and carded a 73 on the final day.
US Open
Martin Kaymer secured his first US Open and second major triumph finishing a full eight shots clear of Erik Compton and Fowler in second place at Pinehurst.
Fowler was always behind the eight ball after Kaymer started with two successive rounds of 65 but he produced solid golf over the four rounds to finish the tournament at one-under par.
The difficulty of the challenge presented for the golfers was highlighted by the fact that only three players finished under-par.
Open
Fowler had to settle for another runner-up finish this time coming at Hoylake when Rory McIlroy earned his first Open Championship.
Despite shooting four rounds under 70, Fowler couldn't prevent the Northern Irishman lifting the Claret Jug after McIlroy began with two hugely impressive rounds of 66.
Sergio Garcia, this year's Masters champion, applied pressure to McIlroy in the early stages of the final round but had to settle for a share of the runners-up position alongside Fowler, who was left to regret some missed birdie opportunities on the opening nine holes.
PGA Championship
McIlroy secured his fourth major title at Valhalla with Fowler finishing in a tie for third place alongside Henrik Stenson with Phil Mickelson in second place.
Fowler started with a 69 but he was always trailing McIlroy throughout the four days. However, once again four sub-70 rounds emphasised the purple patch of form that Fowler had picked up during the year.
Unlike in 2014 Fowler has put himself into contention from the off and will hope that his maturity will help end his wait for a first major success.
Watch the US Open throughout the weekend live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf.
Live US Open Golf
