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Pinehurst, N.C. • Rickie Fowler has a great sense of fashion. He knows how to work a crowd.
Now, all he needs is a career-defining win.
Fowler will play in the final group of a major for the first time after being one of just two players to break par on a brutal Saturday at Pinehurst No. 2. He shot a 3-under 67, leaving him five shots behind U.S. Open leader Martin Kaymer.
"The main goal going into the year was ... to be ready for the majors and go contend in the majors," Fowler said. "I really wouldn't care less what happened in the other tournaments, just because my main goals were to be ready for the majors."
Since breaking onto the PGA Tour in 2009, Fowler has always carried himself like a star. Big endorsement deals. Flamboyant clothing. Long, unruly hair
Only one problem: His lone tour victory came at the Quail Hollow two years ago. Otherwise, it's just a bunch of close calls, causing some to question if Fowler is more hype than substance.
But he's only 25, with most of his career still ahead of him. It's clear that he's close to breaking through, based on his performances this year at Augusta and now at Pinehurst.
Fowler was two shots off the lead going to the final round of the Masters, but a 73 on Sunday knocked him out of contention.