Rickie Fowler silences the doubters

THE VERY COLOURFUL Rickie Fowler has finally claimed his first US PGA Tour victory winning a three-way playoff at the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship.

Dressed in his now customary Sunday bright orange outfit, the 23 year old American beat arch rival Rory McIlroy and fellow countryman DA Points on the first playoff hole at the Quail Hollow Country Club in North Carolina.

Whilst it was the young Northern Irishman who blasted his three wood off the 18th tee well past the efforts with drivers of his two competitors, it was Fowler who came up with a career-changing wedge shot to within four foot of the hole.

He sunk the birdie to take his first win on the tour in 67 professional attempts.

“It’s going to be kind of a relief,” Fowler said. “It’s been a wait, but I’m definitely still young, and hopefully this opens the door to many more. But it’s nice to be mentioned as a PGA TOUR winner.”

Fowler lost a playoff in just his second tour start as a pro in 2009 and with a number of following close finishes was aware he was getting a reputation for falling at the last hurdle.

“It’s nice to kind of shut them up a little bit,” Fowler said with a big grin.

All was not lost for 22 year old McIlroy who regained his world No.1 ranking from Luke Donald with his equal second placing.

Fowler shot a final round 69 to finish on 14-under with McIlroy

(70) and Points (71) while local resident and club member Webb Simpson (73) was one stroke further back alone in fourth. Lee Westwood (66), Ben Curtis (67) and Ryan Moore (74) tied for fifth on 11-under.

Back from injury, Jason Day (70) showed some touches of form to finish as the best placed Aussie at 9-under tied for 9th, while early round standout John Senden faded with a 74 to finish tied for 15th on 8-under.

Geoff Ogilvy had looked threatening with his third round 65 but had 10 more than that on Sunday to finish on 7-under tied for 21st.