Rickie Fowler knows better than anyone that the Masters is a special tournament with special rules.
In 2011, Fowler was a young golfer making a name for himself and leading the way.
He also had a very unique fashion style, which included matching clothes and hats.
But rules are rules at Augusta, and Fowler quickly learned he had to adapt at golf’s most prestigious event – or else.
Fowler, then 22, sat for an interview in the Masters media center wearing his classic look, which involved a hat worn backwards.
A member of Augusta National quickly asked him to turn the hat around so it was facing the right direction.
Fowler responded with what seemed like obvious reasoning: he wore his hat backwards so people could see his face more easily.
It didn’t work at the Masters.
Fowler was asked for the second time to turn his hat.
The future six-time PGA Tour winner and Players Championship trophy recipient relented, giving way to the tradition and rules that make the Masters what it is.
Fowler, 35, has earned more than $49 million since his professional debut in 2009.
After trading a career as a dirt bike rider for golf, he won the Rocket Mortgage Classic and the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Fowler has an invitation to the 2024 Masters, which will be held April 11-14 in Augusta, Georgia.
Dating back to 1934, the Masters has been home to some of golf’s greatest moments.
It also has strict, old-fashioned rules.
Autographs, cell phones and cameras are prohibited.
Running is also not permitted, with walking being preferred throughout the route.
It is also forbidden to sit on the lush green grass.
The same goes for chairs with armrests.
As a young Fowler learned in 2011, the Masters is a special place, as long as you don’t wear a hat backwards.
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