Fowler, 23, beat D. A. Points and Rory McIlroy on the first playoff hole at the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship.

by Blaine McEvoy

Last July, we wrote that shaggy haired duffer Rickie Fowler was bringing swagger back to the gentleman’s game. This weekend, he finally brought it.

Clad in all orange at the Quail Hollow Club, the 23-year old Californian scored his first PGA tour victory, defeating Points and 2011 U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy by a single stroke.

Last summer, we talked to Fowler about how to deal with hecklers and his signature style of play.

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At 22, you’ve got a fan following that otherwise wouldn’t care about golf. Why?
My style’s different than most. I’m young, I don’t dress the same, and I come from a common background instead of a country club, golf-nut background. The first time I actually belonged to a course was last year.

How did you come to the game, then?
My dad was a professional motocross racer, so by age three I was on a dirt bike. I spent a lot of time riding. My grandpa just happened to start playing golf, so I did too.

Was there a moment when you realized you were done messing around with bikes?
Yeah. When I was 15, I was out in the desert on a 50cc bike. After a jump, I had to ditch the bike midair. I broke my right foot and blew out my knee. I said, “I’m going to hang up the bike. Think I’m a golfer.”

Your style of play looks different. It’s quick. Sometimes you look like you’re just letting it rip.
Well, you can’t think a whole lot about it. The more you think, the more you screw up.

Your dad won the Baja 1000 in 1986. Do the racing skills he taught you transfer to golf?
Commitment is huge. If you’re on a bike or swinging a golf club, and you commit and it turns out bad, it’s always better than if you didn’t. And in both, there are risk/reward situations. Racing on a track, you’re waiting for the spot where you can make a move and overtake someone. Just like a par 5.

Are they similar thrills?
On Sunday with a few holes to go, the blood starts pumping. But there’s nothing much like being in the air on a dirt bike.

Is golf still too stuffy?
The PGA Tour is in a transition phase. They’re loosening up — allowing cell phones on the course is a step in the right direction.

When the hecklers say, “Cut your hair!”
I just ignore them. I don’t acknowledge anyone who’s trying to dis me.

You don’t follow them into the parking lot?
No, man, I just let it go. I’ve got a lot of golf left to play.

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