Rickie Fowler in danger of slipping into a career spiral

It's been a rough few months for Rickie Fowler on the golf course. 

Fowler limped through the fall swing with a T64 finish at the 78-man Zozo Championship and a T17 at the 20-man Hero World Challenge, and it hasn't gone any better since then. In 2024, the American finished 56th out of 59 players at The Sentry, missed the cut at the American Express, finished T47 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and missed the cut at the WM Phoenix Open.

His flashy attire was the only noticeable part of his trip to TPC Scottsdale. 

Through four starts, the six-time PGA Tour winner ranks 178th out of 187 players in total strokes gained, 180th in strokes gained off the tee, 175th in strokes gained via putting and 183rd in scoring average. There's nothing redeeming about Fowler's statistical profile this season, which is a night-and-day difference from his resurgent 2022-23 season. 

Last season, Fowler ranked 12th in total strokes gained, seventh in strokes gained via approach and 19th in putting average. After struggling for two straight seasons, he bounced back with 24 made cuts, 18 top-25 finishes and a win in 26 starts. It was a remarkably consistent display of golf from a player who previously looked to be out of his prime. 

But consistency has dissipated in a few short months. Fowler's swing is a mess right now, and the new putter that kick-started his revival has gone ice cold. The 35-year-old lost 5.68 true strokes putting at The American Express, which is the worst mark of his lengthy PGA Tour career. 

If Fowler can't get this train back on the tracks soon, he'll be in danger of fading into the golf abyss. He'll play at this week's The Genesis Invitational at Rivera Country Club.

Poor finishes lead to a drop in the Official World Golf Ranking, which can jeopardize his chances of qualifying for major championships and signature events. The fan-favorite golfer is closer to 40 than he is to 30, so he can't afford to let this slump build any more momentum.