Rickie Fowler confronts fan in crowd as tempers flare at PGA Tour event

Rickie Fowler is in contention at the Cognizant Classic at PGA National, but saw his round on Saturday interrupted by a fan in the crowd, who he was quick to confront

Rickie Fowler snapped back at a heckler in the crowd during the Cognizant Classic at PGA National on Saturday. This comeback came right after he missed a putt on the 16th hole’s green.

In top form, and gunning for his first PGA Tour win since July 2023, Fowler finished his round with a solid three-under-par 68, placing him at an impressive 13-under for the week, just three strokes off the pace set by 54-hole leader Jake Knapp.

Despite what was largely a successful Saturday, it didn’t come without its fair share of drama for the six-time tour champ. He was compelled to confront a member of the crowd who jeered him after a botched putt late in the game.

Attempting his sixth birdie of the day at the 16th, Fowler’s approximate 15-foot shot narrowly missed, provoking remarks from someone in the crowd at PGA National. Not one to hold his tongue, Fowler clapped back swiftly, retorting: “Of course you know.”

But Fowler wasn’t quite done – he had another dig as he was preparing for his par putt, quipping, “That’s why you’re in the stands,” aimed pointedly at the spectator. Unfazed, he then sank a par, proceeding to card pars on both the 17th and closing hole.

Speaking post-round on Saturday, the ex-world number four expressed optimism that familiarity with the course could work in his favour come the final day.

I’ve played well a lot of times around here, and having won here, I know what I need to do. I’ve had a lot of good stuff the first two days, and good way to fight through it today. Looking forward to picking up where we were the first two days and playing well tomorrow and giving ourselves a chance,” said the optimistic athlete, setting his sights on victory.