Last week Rory McIlroy was the big-name draw at the Frys.com Open.
This week, it is Rickie Fowler, the world’s fifth-ranked player, who is the crown jewel of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.
Fowler is the perfect guy for the Las Vegas setting at the TPC Summerlin.
He’s young, flashy and is exciting to watch when he gets it going.
He’s just what the sponsors ordered.
This event can use a little star power. Last year, it was Ben Martin out-dueling Kevin Streelman for the 2014 title. Martin shot 20-under but isn’t the kinda guy that will make folks drop what they’re doing and turn on the telecast.
The best scenario for this second event of the Fall Series is to have Fowler play well enough to be in contention come Sunday.
Last week’s winner, Emiliano Grillo, is not in the field but runnerup Kevin Na is. Na won his one and only PGA Tour event at this championship and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him play well this week.
Another solid young budding star in the field is Brooks Koepka, who didn’t exactly tear it up last week at Silverado, finishing in a tie for 41st. The only other top 20 player in the field is Jimmy Walker (17).
Fowler is paired on Thursday and Friday with former champions in this event, Walker and Davis Love III.
Koepka will play the first two rounds with Brandt Snedeker and Hunter Mahan.
