Fowler hopes trend of first-time major winners continues

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Rickie Fowler is keen to continue the trend of first-time American major winners this week at the Open Championship.

With Bubba Watson winning the Masters in April and Webb Simpson winning the US Open, Fowler believes it has given him extra motivation to follow in their footsteps and pick up that elusive major title.

“It’s fun being around guys that are winning currently. With guys like that winning a major and being their first major it’s been kind of a kick in the butt to get out and make me want it more. And just giving myself the chance, like last year, being in contention and having a chance on Sunday playing in the second to the last group.”

The flamboyant American loves links golf and his recent finishes back this up. He finished tied fifth in last year’s Open Championship at Royal St. George’s and tied 14th the year before at St. Andrews.

“I love links golf, it’s probably my favourite. I like the amount of options you have while out playing a links golf course. There may be fewer options here this week just because of how narrow and how much rough there is and how many bunkers.  There’s definitely going to be some shot making that’s going to need to happen out there this week.”

Fowler won his first PGA Tour event earlier this year at Quail Hollow and the event has given him the confidence and belief he can get the job done on the biggest stage in golf.

“I definitely know that it’s difficult to win any given week, especially majors. I think where I get the most confidence is the way I’ve been playing since April or May. And with getting my first win at Quail Hollow, I think that’s definitely where I’ll draw the most confidence and the way I’ve been playing versus seeing which guys have won and knowing how strong the fields are.”

Fowler tees off at 2.32pm on Thursday with two-time Open winner Padraig Harrington and amateur Manuel Trappel.

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