Fowler finding form as week unfolds — albeit slowly — in Abu Dhabi
Rickie Fowler didn’t get off to a hot start at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. However, with a round-and-a-half left to be played on a long Sunday ahead, Fowler finds himself with part of the five-way share for the lead.
Fowler, along with Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter, Branden Grace and Joost Luiten, are all at 10 under and at varying stages of their third rounds at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. A three-hour fog delay on Saturday forced play to be called at darkness and lead to a marathon final day.
A three-time worldwide winner in 2015, Fowler started off with a modest 2-under 70 alongside McIlroy, who shot 66, and Jordan Spieth, who opened with 68. In the second round, which concluded on Saturday, thanks to a Friday fog delay, Fowler shot 68. Through 11 holes in the third round, he’s 4 under and looking for more, trying to build off a birdie on the par-4 11th, his last hole he decided to play in near darkness.
“I decided to hit the putt on 11 after the horn blew. Just wanted to make it to kind of keep things going,” he said.
Now, Fowler is hoping for his best saved for last on Sunday.
“I’ve kind of rounded into form as the week has gone on,” Fowler said after the horn blew Saturday evening. “I’m looking forward to getting back, get some food, rest. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow and hopefully a lot of birdies.”
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
LISTEN TO OUR WEEKLY GOLF PODCAST! This week: Is pros wearing shorts a big deal?
