Fowler's finish start of major run

Rickie Fowler’s exceptional run in the major championships in 2014 started with some wayward drives in the final round of the Masters Tournament.

Fowler was coming off a third-round 5-under-par 67 but struggled with his driver in the final round, hitting just four fairways. Yet he still managed to shoot 73 and tie for fifth place.

“I knew I was fighting. I didn’t get off to a comfortable start and had to fight my way through the day,” Fowler said. “I was definitely pleased with how I was able to do it. It gave me a lot of confidence moving forward in the majors because I was able – without feeling comfortable – to still finish tied for fifth. I was able to get into more of a comfort zone in the next three.”

Fowler accomplished something in the majors only two other players have: finish in the top five in all four. He tied for second in the U.S. Open and British Open and tied for third in the PGA Championship.

Only Jack Nicklaus (1971 and 1973) and Tiger Woods (2000, 2005) have pulled that off.

The difference is that Woods and Nicklaus won majors those years. Woods won three in 2000, two in 2005 and Nicklaus won one each in 1971 and 1973.

“Being in contention in all four majors, it may be the only time in my career I’m ever able to do that,” Fowler said. “Looking back, yeah, it does hurt that I didn’t get the win at the PGA, but looking back at the year, it was historic in a way.”

At the PGA Championship, Fowler had his best shot at a win, losing by two shots to Rory McIlroy, who also won the British Open.

“It’s tough, because I really wanted to win, but the goals going into the year, I took care of everything except for getting the win,” said Fowler, adding that the other goals in addition to contending in the majors were making the Ryder Cup team and going deep into the FedEx Cup playoffs.

As for the Masters, Fowler learned if you’re in contention in the final round and have a chance to win, “you’ve got to hit more than four fairways.”

To that end, he’s now better at working the ball off the tee than he was last year, adding a controlled cut (left-to-right shot) to his draw shot.

“I’ve got both right now,” he said. “I got some good work in with (instructor) Butch (Harmon). I’m definitely looking forward to Augusta and I’ve got it going both ways now – in a good way. I know where it’s going.

“It is somewhat of a shot maker’s golf course, to be able to move the ball both ways off the tee when needed and into greens to get to certain pin positions,” he said of Augusta National. “If you can move the ball both ways it helps. So it’s a fun golf course because you can use your imagination and think your way around.”

Fowler, who will be playing in his fifth Masters, has gained valuable information about Augusta National from playing practice rounds with three-time champion Phil Mickelson.

“He’s very helpful with me and any other guys that are playing, especially around a place like Augusta,” Fowler said. “He probably knows the most about that golf course than anyone, as far as when you look at his yardage book to the notes he has. It’s pretty extensive. It’s not just in there. He keeps a lot stored between the ears and he’s pretty knowledgeable about that place.”

Fowler, 26, said he’s “living my dream” by playing on the PGA Tour.

As a youngster, he said “I felt like I always referenced walking up 18 at Augusta or being at the Masters,” he said.