"I have relatives here" - Rickie Fowler explains his Japanese heritage at the Zozo Championship
Rickie Fowler had a great first two rounds in the Zozo Championship, finishing just four shots behind the lead after 36 holes. Winning here would be special for him, considering he has some Japanese roots.
On Friday, September 25, Fowler carded a 6-under 64, bringing him to 8-under after two rounds at the Zozo Championship. He sank seven birdies and made just one bogey to tie for seventh after 36 holes.
In the post-round interview, Fowler shared about his Japanese heritage, stating that winning here would mean a lot to him.
"Have to go back pretty far," he said. "My grandpa, the one on my mom's side is Japanese. He was born in the US. My great grandma, his mom, is the one, she came over fairly young. Pretty far removed from Japan. I'm sure I have relatives here, but I don't know anyone."
Fowler added that Japanese culture had been a significant part of his life while growing up and that he has always loved coming here.
"They're amazing people to be around, so respectful, polite and have a great energy out here on the golf course. So the support that I've received every time I've been over here, it would be a lot of fun to have the chance to win in front of 'em," he added.
Rickie Fowler moves to T4 at the Zozo Championship halfway through the third round
Rickie Fowler moved up three spots halfway through the third round of the Zozo Championship. He started the day with a birdie on the second hole but then bogeyed the sixth. However, he regained momentum with back-to-back birdies on the next two holes.
At the time of writing, Rickie Fowler had finished ten holes and was 2-under for the day, aggregating at 10-under. He finished as runner-up here two years ago but will look to overcome the final hurdle this time.
Nico Echavarria continued to shine on the third day at Narashino Country Club, going 3-under for the day with nine holes to go. He now aggregates at 15 under and holds a three-shot lead over Justin Thomas. The 30-year-old golfer is aiming for his second win on the PGA Tour.
Thomas, who is set to become a father in November, is also 3-under for the day after ten holes, seeking his first win since the 2022 PGA Championship.