What’s led to Rickie Fowler’s dramatic turnaround? The stats say almost everything

Rickie Fowler has long been one of the most popular players not only on the PGA Tour, but in the world.

He’s won five times on Tour, including the 2015 Players at TPC Sawgrass, and has represented the United States in seven team events: 2010, ’14, ’16 and ’18 Ryder Cups, and 2015, ’17 and ’19 Presidents Cups.

However, like many players, Fowler went through a rut.

During the 2020-21 season, Fowler missed nine cuts in 24 events and finished inside the top 10 once. In 22 events during the 2021-22 season, Fowler missed nine cuts and finished inside the top 10 once.

But thanks to a return to Butch Harmon, Fowler has found his game.

So far this season, Fowler has missed just two cuts in 19 starts and has finished inside the top 10 seven times.

What’s been the difference maker?

Well, everything.

Here’s a complete look at Fowler’s statistical difference between his 2021-22 campaign and this season.

Strokes Gained: Off the Tee

Rickie Fowler tees off on the eighth hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

2021-2022: 114th (-.022)

2022-2023: 64th (+.174)

Strokes Gained: Approach

Rickie Fowler hits his second shot on three during the second round of the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

2021-2022: 150th (-.161)

2022-2023: 7th (+.745)

Strokes Gained: Around the Green

Rickie Fowler plays from the green side bunker on the 18th hole to finish the first round of the 2023 WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. (Photo: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports)

2021-2022: 31st (+.274)

2022-2023: 25th (+.299)

Strokes Gained: Tee to Green

Rickie Fowler tees off on the 12th hole during the first round of the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club. (Photo: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports)

2021-2022: 101st (+.092)

2022-2023: 12th (+1.311)

Strokes Gained: Putting

Rickie Fowler acknowledges the fans after a birdie putt on the first hold during the first round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

2021-2022: 161st (-.253)

2022-2023: 48th (+.323)

After a few tough years on the greens, Fowler ditched his Scotty Cameron blade for a mallet-style putter from Odyssey. It’s been so good, Wyndham Clark asked to have one made to the exact specs as Fowler’s. Clark won the U.S. Open last month with it.