Rickie Fowler named "best mannered person" in new poll

Rickie Fowler has been voted the best mannered person in the world according to the National League of Junior Cotillions.

Fowler, who tees up in this week's Tournament of Champions in Hawaii fresh off winning the Hero World Challenge last month, was selected by the NLJC to headline its list of "10 Best-Mannered People" for 2017, with Matt Kuchar also cracking the top 10.

David Beckham finished sixth in the vote, with Meghan Markle in 10th.

Voting was compiled through the nominations of Junior Cotillion students and directors from more than one hundred chapters across the country, and fan favorite Fowler received an "overwhelming" number of student nominations, according to NLJC president Charles Winters.

"Both our students and directors felt he has consistently demonstrated well-mannered conduct as an athlete and role model," said Winters.

"We hope his selection serves as a reminder to all athletes that today's youth notice when they treat others with respect and demonstrate good character."

In late October, Fowler flew from his Florida home to play golf with an older fan, "Dr. Reyes," who was dying of pancreatic cancer. When Reyes passed away on November 26, Fowler paid him tribute in an Instagram post, calling their round together "a day I will remember the rest of my life!" 

Part of the motivation behind releasing the list is to show that young people do value high character in their public figures.

"In a day and age where ill-mannered behavior is often more newsworthy, we are proud to recognize those whose contributions to society are positive, uplifting, and honorary," Winters said. 

Kuchar's honor came in part from the way he handled losing to Jordan Spieth at the Open.

1. Rickie Fowler - for consistently well-mannered conduct both on and off the golf course.

2. Aly Raisman - for dignity and courage in coming forward as a victim of abuse.

3. Deshaun Watson - for generously donating to aid Hurricane Harvey victims in Houston and for publicly admitting he was wrong after an instance of less-than-mannerly conduct.

4. Joanna Gaines - for kindness to fans, family, and television audience.

5. Sadie Robertson - for authenticity and grace.

6. David Beckham - for positively impacting the lives of children around the world through his work with UNICEF and the 7 Fund.

7. Selena Gomez - for being a strong role model for fans while growing up in the public spotlight.

8. Thomas Rhett - for inspiring fans through his music to value family, relationships, and above all, character.

9. Matt Kuchar - for poise in both victory and defeat as a golfer.

10. Meghan Markle - for considerable grace under pressure as a new member of the royal family.