Fowler Secures First Victory as a Professional


Though it didn't come on the PGA or European tours, Rickie Fowler did log his first win as a touring professional over the weekend and he did so by beating one of the world's top players. The 22-year-old California carded a 3-under 68 in the final round for a six-shot, wire-to-wire win in the OneAsia Tour's Korean Open.

Fowler finished the 72-hole event in 16-under 268 to edge 2011 U.S. Open champion and No. 3-ranked Rory McIlory (64) at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan.

"It was a lot of fun. I played well early on in the final round and then I was comfortable over the last few holes. Overall, I enjoyed the whole week," Fowler said.

"It feels great to have the first win," he added. "I played well all week, although I did have to hang in on Friday and post a score. But on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday I had good control of my ball, I drove well and I made some putts.

"I'm happy with the way I have played on the PGA Tour, but I have never shot low enough to win. This week I played well for four rounds which I have not been able to do in the past."

Fowler also announced his plans for 2012. "I am looking forward to some time off and then I can look at everything and set some goals for next year. I will play mainly on the PGA Tour next year and I would like to get my first win there, and this win will definitely help me achieve that.

"I also haven't made the Tour Championship in the last two years, so that is another goal for next year. But the biggest goal is to make sure I make the Ryder Cup team."

"Looking back on this week, I will rue my third round, which could have been a lot better," McIlroy remarked. "If I had played a little better and shot a few under I might have had a chance, but Rickie has played fantastic this week and he deserves the win."