Despite languishing a lowly 125th in an out of date Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) system, and having chalked up just one top-20 finish in nine starts so far this season, fan-favourite Rickie Fowler has received a late invite by the PGA of America to compete in next week’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club.
The PGA of America are seemingly feeling invite-happy on the eve of golf’s second major of the season as they’ve also dished out three invites to LIV Golf players Dustin Johnson, David Puig and Tom McKibbin, and another to DP World Tour pro Elvis Smylie.
The invite marks the fifth Fowler has received on Tour in 2025, one of which includes this week’s $20m Truist Championship, the latest Signature Event on the PGA Tour.
Fowler also received invites into three other limited-field Signature Events on the PGA Tour (AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Genesis, RBC Heritage) earlier this season en route to lacklustre results of T53, T39 and 68.
He did not receive an invite into The Masters in April, but that’s not something Augusta National typically does unless within reason.
Rickie Fowler
There can be no doubting Fowler’s status in the professional game is one of huge popularity, especially with youngsters.
Fowler arguably goes about his business better than most PGA Tour pros when it comes to spending time with fans before and after tournaments.
He rarely leaves an event without having made sure he has signed every single signature in his vantage point, and that is to be commended.
But on the flip side, should a player solely be invited to compete in a stacked major field just because they are popular?
And if truth be told, is adding Rickie Fowler really going to make a difference to TV ratings?
That’s at least what the critics are saying after news broke that the PGA of America has decided to hand Fowler a second invite into the PGA Championship from 15-18 May.
Plenty of golf fans are also voicing similar concern about out-of-form LIV Golfer Dustin Johnson receiving an invite into the PGA Championship, albeit the former World No.1 has two major titles to his name.
A number of critics consider there are other players out there right now on both LIV Golf and the PGA Tour who are more deserving of invites into the PGA Championship than both Fowler and Johnson at this very moment.
Lucas Herbert, who ranks fifth on the individual standings on LIV Golf right now, is just one in-form golfer that springs to mind.
“Really?!” wrote one disgruntled golf fan.
“That’s laughable but should we really be surprised?” questioned one PGA Tour fan.
“OMG really, are you serious PGA?!” quizzed another.
“MC incoming,” tweeted one user.
One LIV Golf fan wrote: “LOL and Lucas Herbert who has been playing class and ranks fifth in the individual standings right now doesn’t even get an invite? Right, I see…”
Not everyone is disappointed though, especially those boarding the Rickie Fowler Tracker.
“Buzzing, let’s go Rick!” wrote one excited fan.
“My guy Rick, show them who’s boss,” wrote another.
“Can’t wait for Rickie to prove the haters wrong,” tweeted one expectant fan.
“Rick has to now take advantage of these upcoming opportunities,” commented another.
Fowler also received an invite into the PGA Championship in 2022 when he was ranked 146th in the world.
But back then, the OWGR still had some form of credibility given the professional game was still unified.
Nevertheless, Fowler has received his invite and duly accepted his place in the field.
Fowler will be making his 54th appearance at a major at the 2025 PGA Championship.
The American’s appearance will also mean he has played in every PGA Championship since 2010.
Despite winning six times on the PGA Tour, with his last victory dating back to the Rocket Mortgage Classic in July 2023, Fowler has yet to win a major title.
Fowler’s career highlight to date was winning The Players Championship in a playoff over Sergio Garcia and Kevin Kisner in 2015.
His best result at the PGA Championship is a T3 at Valhalla in 2014.