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Rickie pays tribute to Payne

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As of this writing, Rickie Fowler is still warming up for his 8:13 a.m. tee time at Pinehurst No. 2, but he’s already making headlines.

Why you ask? Take a look at this photo tweeted by Pinehurst Resort.

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Fowler, a man known for his singular sartorial decisions and flamboyant attire, is paying tribute to another golfer with a similar reputation: the late, great Payne Stewart.

Stewart, of course, won the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst in what is widely regarded as one of the best U.S. Opens of all time. Clearly the man and his memory inspire the young Oklahoma State grad. As he tweeted prior to hitting the course:

Screen shot 2014-06-12 at 8.14.43 AM

Fowler tied for 10th at last year’s U.S. Open. Let’s hope the classy gesture sees him improving upon that finish this year.

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

32 Comments

32 Comments

  1. KK

    Jun 16, 2014 at 7:07 pm

    Ball don’t lie– T2 and his best major finish ever. For my grammar Nazis, ball doesn’t lie. Maybe Payne is not displeased.

  2. Alex

    Jun 13, 2014 at 1:55 am

    Some of you guys are certified grinches. And that’s being generous.

  3. Rich

    Jun 12, 2014 at 10:01 pm

    Even Rickie Fowler has nay sayers? Amazing! Seems like the nicest guy. He gets masses of publicity whatever he’s wearing. Why would he do this as a publicity stunt? There’s no reason. Good work Rickie, I think it’s a cool idea. RIP Payne Stewart.

  4. Wade

    Jun 12, 2014 at 7:01 pm

    Gentlemen,
    With all due respect, though none seems due hear, I love it when someone displays there lack of knowledge for the world to see. You make judgements about Fowler’s character and motives, yet the only thing you know about him is what you read or see in a short blurb on tv. Mr. Fowler was just given an award by the Folds of Honor Foundation for his selfless efforts to support the men and women who serve in our armed forces. Especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. He has given so much of his time and resources to provide for the families of those soldiers that did not come home. If you only knew half the things he has done behind the scenes, I think you would be more than embarrassed by your fact-less judgements. I have spent quite a bit of time with him at the Patriot tournament every year on Memorial Day in Tulsa. This young man has so much character and sense of responsibility and gratitude. He gives freely of his time. He puts his money where his mouth is. The country would do well to have more 20 something’s just like him. Would love for my son to turn out just like him. Definite role model material here. Spend five minutes with him before you judge based on what you read online or see on tv. Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt! (Lincoln, Twain) Sorry, but makes my blood boil to see someone crucified for nothing.

    • RSinSG

      Jun 12, 2014 at 7:25 pm

      Well said. I think Ricky is one of the good guys. His Asian grandfather plays in my men’s leagues and we get to hear some of the family stories. Granted, they are from a proud grandpa but from all I see we could use more of him.

    • steve

      Jun 12, 2014 at 8:09 pm

      And that has nothing to do with the subject matter here. No one is judging his character, judging his motives. Two different things. Because he dresses for attention doesn’t make him a bad person. Sad that parents look for famous people to be role models for their kids. I will be my kids role model like my father and mother were to me.

      • Wade

        Jun 12, 2014 at 9:26 pm

        It has everything to do with his character. And I’m sure you are a great role model as am I. Do you think kids can only look up to one person? It’s not a bad thing to have more than one. Don’t be silly. Ricky’s motives are in question and that’s a character judgement. Now you are making judgements about my character when you most certainly don’t know me either. Obviously we should just agree to disagree and leave it at that my friend.

      • Me

        Jun 12, 2014 at 10:55 pm

        You might want do pull up you pants, your brains are showing. Motives are a formulated by character and this a direct result of character, the two are inseparable. To argue otherwise only highlights ones lack of vocabulary. I’ve got news for you, Payne was a very flashy dresser as well, well before he won anything. Why would you want to be your child’s only role model? Do you want them to be exactly like you? Your vanity will unfortuey limit your child’s growth as human being. I for one want my child to be an improvement over me. Also, just because you think you are your kids role model, doesn’t make it so.

        • steve

          Jun 13, 2014 at 6:50 pm

          Is it character formulated by motives or motives formulated by character? Let me know. Either way thanks for the interest and for following.

          Enjoy Ricki and the golf.

  5. steve

    Jun 12, 2014 at 5:58 pm

    Do really think it was about Payne Stewart? He didn’t even know the guy. Wasn’t he into dirt biking when he was very young then got into golf in his teen years. Payne died when he was eleven. Get attention with your game and not your clothes already. I love the guy that compares Ricki and Payne, who ever compared them to each other. I love when someone makes a point and then it gets twisted

    • Alex

      Jun 13, 2014 at 1:59 am

      I guess I couldn’t pay homage to Bobby Jones, or consider him a favorite because I wasn’t playing golf when he was?

      Think about what you’re saying before you say it, please.

    • cheesehead42

      Jun 13, 2014 at 9:00 am

      So all of the years growing, I wore Micheal Jordan’s shoes, played Tiger’s clubs, and used the same baseball glove as Ken Griffey Jr.

      Apparently I was wrong for being inspired by them because I didn’t personally know them? Crap, all those years down the drain.

    • bradford

      Jun 19, 2014 at 7:27 am

      So, you knew Payne?

  6. Tom Stickney

    Jun 12, 2014 at 5:22 pm

    I do miss Payne…cool deal.

  7. William

    Jun 12, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    Someone once posted that Ricky is the male Natalie Gulbis. Lots of flash, not so much game. To pull off the Payne Stewart gig, he needs more game to back it up.

    • Steve

      Jun 12, 2014 at 4:07 pm

      I played against Natalie in high school and my cousin played against Richie in Stockton. I would say that this statement is completely off…Richie is twice the golfer Natalie is on her best day.

    • Me

      Jun 12, 2014 at 4:40 pm

      Considering that Payne couldn’t get a playing card his first try, and Ricki did, and that Payne had to play a few years on the Asian tour, while Ricki is playing in the big show from the get go. And that Payne took nine professional years to win a major, I think ricki is more than holding his own. Payne should be honored that young golfers even know who he is. Honestly, if he hadn’t died he would have been just another 2nd tier golfer, with a few majors, in the Tiger era.

  8. snapjack

    Jun 12, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    Looks like he’s putting with a model airplane but I like the duds!

    • robert

      Jun 12, 2014 at 2:07 pm

      Fowler is a walking billboard who has made 100 times as much money plugging corporate sponsors as he has playing. Even in the post round interview he’s standing there with a Red Bull in his hand,label facing camera. Please. None of this is unintentional, the guy knows exactly what he’s doing even if most people haven’t a clue. The Media sells his image to young kids not because he is a terrific golfer but because he has hip appeal and they are desperately scouring the field as Tiger and Phil age.

      • JJ

        Jun 12, 2014 at 2:23 pm

        None of what you stated has anything to do with paying homage to Payne. I didn’t see any Puma logos on his pants or socks. Keep your negativity at home, just because Ricky has a Red Bull, logo out, on his post round interview, doesn’t have anything to do with this outfit. I guess you should get mad at Phil for plugging KPMG on the front of his hat, or any other player with a brand on their gear. It’s ALL Marketing, moron, not just Ricky, and almost all of them make incrementally more amounts off course then on.

      • Jason

        Jun 12, 2014 at 3:07 pm

        You know MOST golfers make the majority of their money off the course right?

        Tiger made $83M in 2013 – $8.5M was from tournament earnings.

    • Painter33

      Jun 13, 2014 at 9:33 am

      He needs to complete the look – real leather shoes with gold toe guards. Payne was class personified. Both seem(ed) like decent guys who was/is universally liked on tour.

  9. ABgolfer2

    Jun 12, 2014 at 11:27 am

    He could have worn a different hat though.

    • Philip

      Jun 12, 2014 at 12:43 pm

      Yes and no, paying homage doesn’t mean copying – he’s honoring Payne while still being himself.

  10. RI_Redneck

    Jun 12, 2014 at 10:44 am

    Lookin’ good!!!

  11. perisho

    Jun 12, 2014 at 10:20 am

    Ha. That’s cool.

  12. JJ

    Jun 12, 2014 at 10:10 am

    Awesome that Ricky paid homage in this manner. I was expecting someone in contention on the weekend to surprise everyone by pulling it off (Horschel maybe?) but still a great gesture nonetheless.

    Class act Rick, well played.

    • Tom

      Jun 12, 2014 at 7:46 pm

      Your comment and kind heart will serve you well in life.

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