Rickie Fowler
A golfer known for his vibrant style and dramatic flair, whose career has been a rollercoaster of near-major triumphs and resilient comebacks.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American professional golfer·Birthday: December 13·Millennials
Biography
Rickie Fowler burst onto the professional golf scene as much for his neon-bright Puma outfits and flat-brimmed hats as for his fluid swing. The Oklahoma State standout, who spent over half a year as the world's top amateur, carried that momentum, quickly becoming a fan favorite and a consistent presence on leaderboards. His early career was marked by agonizingly close calls in majors, most famously a runner-up finish at the 2014 U.S. Open and a tie for second at the 2014 Open Championship. For years, he floated in the world's top ten, a star whose commercial appeal sometimes outpaced his trophy haul. Then came a prolonged slump so severe he fell outside the world's top 150, a fall that made his 2023 resurgence all the more gripping. His record-tying 62 at the 2023 U.S. Open was a defiant statement, and his victory at the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic, his first in over four years, was a cathartic celebration of perseverance.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Rickie was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Rickie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Rickie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Shot a 62 in the first round of the 2023 U.S. Open, tying the record for the lowest single-round score in major championship history.
- Won the 2015 Players Championship, one of the PGA Tour's most prestigious events, in a dramatic playoff.
- Represented the United States in multiple Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams.
- Spent 36 weeks as the number one ranked amateur golfer in the world in 2007 and 2008.
Did You Know?
He is of Japanese and Navajo descent.
He is a dedicated motocross fan and rider, often attending supercross events.
His signature Sunday orange outfit is a tribute to his alma mater, Oklahoma State University.
“It's not how you drive, it's how you arrive.”
