Date: May 12, 2015
Author: Martin Blake

Fowler gets Open lure

White hot Rickie Fowler is on Golf Australia’s shopping list for the 2015 Emirates Australian Open.

Fowler, who secured the biggest win of his career in the Players Championship at Sawgrass in Florida over the weekend, has twice played in Australia — in 2011 and 2014 – but never in the national Open.

The American leapt to No. 9 in the world rankings with his playoff win, one of the best finishes in the history of the Players.

But GA had already made contact with his management about coming to play at The Australian in November, a fact confirmed by tournament director Trevor Herden.

“Golf Australia would love to have Rickie back in the country again,’’  Herden told News Limited newspapers today. “He’s one of several people with whom we’re in discussions, but it’s too early to know just yet.’’

Fowler birdied the famous par-three 17th island hole three times on Sunday, once in regulation play, and twice in the playoff, to win.

Over the four days, 45 balls disappeared into the lake beside the 17th, the highest tally since 2008.

The Emirates Australian Open is to be played from 26-29 November in Sydney.

World No. 2 Jordan Spieth has said he intends defending the title he won with a stunning, final-round 63 last year.