Rickie Fowler returns to his roots to shoot 62 in U.S. Open

Rickie Fowler, the professional golfer, made an impressive comeback in the U.S. Open, returning to his former glory with a remarkable round. The 34-year-old displayed a newfound maturity as he donned a modest gray-and-white attire, a far cry from his vibrant and flashy outfits of the past. This transformation was a reflection of his growth as a person and a player, having weathered several challenging seasons.

Fowler's exceptional performance not only broke the U.S. Open record but also tied the major-championship record for the lowest score ever recorded. His score of 62 surpassed the previous record set by Johnny Miller half a century ago. It was a day to remember as Fowler showcased his skills, driving accurately and maneuvering the ball strategically around the course.

Throughout the round, Fowler demonstrated remarkable consistency, missing only three fairways and three greens. His putting was particularly outstanding, gaining nearly five strokes on the greens. Although he didn't sink any putts longer than 20 feet, he displayed incredible accuracy within the crucial range of 4-8 feet, making all five knee-knockers and three putts from 10-15 feet.

Fowler's score of 62 was later matched by Xander Schauffele, resulting in the lowest-scoring first round in U.S. Open history. However, Fowler maintained a significant lead over his playing partners, Justin Rose and Jason Day, both major champions who had also tasted victory on the PGA TOUR in 2023. Fowler's remarkable performance left Rose in awe, and it was undoubtedly the highlight of his day.

Despite a somewhat lackluster warm-up and mediocre practice rounds, Fowler started strong with a birdie on his opening hole. Although he immediately followed it with a bogey, he quickly found his rhythm, recording three consecutive birdies after making the turn. His round included a series of impressive shots, leading to a total of ten birdies and just two pars over the first 12 holes.

One notable stroke of luck occurred when Fowler's tee shot on the eighth hole headed towards a barranca, only to land favorably in a small opening between trees and the bridge crossing the wash. This stroke of fortune allowed him to hit a pitching wedge back to the fairway, setting up a 13-foot putt for his final birdie of the day.

Fowler's success can be attributed to his creative and instinctive style of play, utilizing his natural talent and adaptability to navigate the course effectively. Working with his instructor, Butch Harmon, who prioritizes building confidence over analyzing launch characteristics, has played a significant role in Fowler's resurgence. The golfer's dedication and unwavering faith in himself have propelled him back into the top 50 of the world rankings after dropping outside the top 150 just last fall.

The Los Angeles Country Club, with its naturalistic layout and earth-toned aesthetics reminiscent of historic courses like Pinehurst No. 2, seemed to suit Fowler's playing style. His runner-up finish in the 2014 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 was a testament to his ability to thrive in similar environments. Fowler expressed confidence in his current form, feeling closer than ever to his past successes.

The golfer acknowledged the difficulties he had faced in his career but found solace in the journey, appreciating the challenges that ultimately led him to his current position. Fowler's remarkable performance in the U.S. Open served as a testament to his resilience and unwavering determination, proving that hard work and self-belief can lead to a triumphant return to the top.

In summary, Rickie Fowler's exceptional round in the U.S. Open showcased his maturity as a golfer and his ability to overcome adversity. Breaking records and tying the lowest score in major-championship