Back in 2013, I served as EIC for a North Florida publication, Void Magazine. In our annual Golf Issue, I had the pleasure of pinpointing golfers I thought could make a splash at THE PLAYERS Championship. I was a little early in my prediction as Rickie Fowler was my favorite to win it. But two years later, Fowler secured the victory at golf’s 5th Major in one of the most captivating back nine comebacks the PGA has ever seen.

Check our interview with Fowler before he became all big time after the jump.

Fowler shot 7-under during the final holes, including the playoff against my favorite person, Sergio Garcia and surprise contender Kevin Kisner.

Since his win at the Wells Fargo Championship back in 2012, Fowler has been in contention at numerous tournaments, including The Masters. But THE PLAYERS win comes just a week after a Sports Illustrated poll ranked him as one of the most overrated players on tour as voted on by other PGA golfers.

After finishing within the top-five of all Majors in 2014 and winning THE PLAYERS in dominating fashion, Fowler sealed the early start to the 2015 golf season by sealing the victory with a kiss from his super model girlfriend.

Who still wants to call him overrated?

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From 2013, my interview with Rickie Fowler:

If you see bunch of kids running around in bright orange wearing flat bill hats, chances are, they’re big fans of one of golf’s freshest faces, Rickie Fowler.

The self-taught phenom who attended Oklahoma State University and currently resides in Jupiter, Florida is probably most famous for his Golf Boys videos in which he appears alongside three other pros including one of his best friends, Masters winner Bubba Watson, where they portray a side of golf most of us aren’t used to seeing.  Not only is Fowler a pro golfer, but also likes to partake in motocross and fishing during his days off.

The former #1 ranked amateur golfer got his first PGA Tour win at the Wells Fargo Championship and tied for second place at THE PLAYERS last year is thought of as a pivotal role player in the attracting the younger demographic to the game of golf…

BB: You no longer have the mustache.  Do you miss it and do you have any plans to grow another one?

Rickie Fowler: I don’t know if I miss it and I don’t have any immediate plans for another mustache, but it’s definitely not out for good.

 

How did your passion start for motocross and do you have plans of ever returning back to the sport?

I still ride every once in awhile. I won’t return seriously, but I will always ride for fun. It all started with my dad who grew up riding and racing. So it was something I was able to do with him. The whole family rides, so it’s kind of a family thing for us.

 

You’re well known for your Golf Boys video, who’s your favorite boy band?

Boy-Band-ish has got to be Timberlake. He is close to boy-band-ish, right? One of the most versatile talented performers that I can think of.

 

If you could have one meal and drink for the rest of your life, what it would be?

It doesn’t affect my health…Sweet Tea and In-and-Out for sure.

 

What’s one movie you recommend everyone should see before they die?

Dumb and Dumber.

 

Biggest guilty pleasure?

Dessert. All of it.

 

Favorite hobby outside of golf that doesn’t require electricity?

Fishing.

 

Pro athlete you envy the most?

I like my spot the most!

 

Dead or Alive: Fav Hollywood crush?

Megan Fox.

 

If we were to open your fridge right now, what are three things we would find?

Bottle water, Almond milk, yogurt.

 

What’s your favorite hole at THE PLAYERS besides #17?

18th hole. Great finishing hole with the clubhouse backdrop. Tough, tough hole.

 

Prediction on who will win THE PLAYERS? (besides yourself, of course)

There’s a guy named Tiger who is playing pretty well right now. Feel like he’s a safe bet.

 

Featured image via PGA’s Twitter