Rickie Fowler makes big PGA Tour commitment

Rickie Fowler has become one of the first PGA Tour stars to commit to the Cognizant Classic. 

The tournament was previously known as the Honda Classic until the title sponsor withdrew its support after 42 years in 2023. 

In recent years there has been considerable consternation about the event owing to its poor fields. 

Put simply, there isn't anything wrong with the tournament itself but its place on the PGA Tour schedule has made it a tough sell for the top players.

But Fowler's decision to commit to the tournament is perhaps a sign that is about to change. 

The Honda Classic previously found itself wedged between Tiger Woods' Genesis Invitational and the preceding Arnold Palmer Invitational. 

The revamped 2024 schedule now means there is a week between the West Coast Swing and the start of the Florida Swing (Cognizant).

One of Fowler's six Tour victories came at The Honda Classic in 2017. The American defeated Gary Woodland and Morgan Hoffmann by four shots. 

He skipped the tournament in 2023 for the first time in 13 years. 

Only four of the top 30 players in the Official World Golf Ranking teed it up at PGA National last year. No player from the top-10 was involved. 

In a statement, Cognizant's executive director Joie Chitwood told the Palm Beach Post: "As one of the most exciting players on the PGA Tour, he [Fowler] is a tremendous addition to our field and is sure to generate a plethora of excitement for our partners and fans during tournament week."

Cognizant signed a six-year deal to become the new title sponsor of the tournament last December. 

Fowler enjoyed somewhat of a career resurgence last season. 

He stepped back into the winner's circle for the first time in four years when he clinched the Rocket Mortgage Classic in dramatic fashion. 

Fowler also posted eight top-10 finishes and was selected for the U.S. Ryder Cup side that was defeated in Italy last September.

The 35-year-old didn't have an enjoyable experience at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club as it was apparent he was suffering from illness.

Fowler's record in the contest is now a dismal 3-7-5 after four appearances.  

Rickie Fowler WITB 2024

Driver: Cobra Darkspeed (9 degrees; Mitsubishi Diamana WB 73 TX)

Fairway Woods: Cobra Aerojet LS (14.5 degrees; Aldila Tour Green 75 TX), Cobra LTDx LS (17.5 degrees; UST Mamiya LINQ M40X 8F5)

Irons: Cobra KING Tour (4-PW; KBS Tour C-Taper 125 S+)

Wedges: Cobra KING Snakebite (54, 56, 60 degrees; KBS Tour 610)

Putter: Odyssey Versa Jailbird 

Ball: TaylorMade TP5 pix 

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