Rickie Fowler Roasted a Fan for Criticizing a Putt He Hit at the Cognizant Classic

Rickie Fowler is commonly noted as one of the most humble and polite players on TOUR, who, even at the lowest points in his career, has maintained a mild-mannered and friendly demeanor with fans and fellow players.

But this past weekend, it was different. Fowler did not shy away from putting a fan in their place on Saturday at the Cognizant Classic, as the spectator shouted something at Rickie from the stands after missing a 20-foot putt for birdie.

Fowler narrowly missed the putt, which catalyzed some critiquing from a fan in the gallery. What exactly was said is unknown, but Fowler responded with, “Of course you know!” before shaking his head and walking to his three-foot clean-up for par.

But Fowler was not done, as he shouted the final blow to the fan: “That’s what you are in the stands!”

🚨👀🗣️ #CLAPPING BACK — After a fan got on Rickie Fowler for a missed putt, he responded accordingly: “Of course you know… that’s why you are in the stands.” @RickieLegion (via @CPowers14)
pic.twitter.com/W0xbfoiCtN

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) March 1, 2025

We have seen plenty of interactions between fans and players where things got slightly testy. A few notables come to mind: Rory’s interaction with a fan at the Ryder Cup who criticized his called-off wedding, Paul Casey’s “Oi, zip it, pal!” and Justin Thomas’s rebuttal to a fan who told him about the green speeds.

Fowler is certainly not immune to the picking fans can do to players, even if he is a favorite. It was nice to see Rickie give some spice back to the fan and put them in their place, and one could argue golf needs even more of this.

Cover Image via Golf