If you were standing behind the ropes at TPC Twin Cities this week and thought your eyes were playing tricks on you when you saw Rickie Fowler pull out a Persimmon wood, rest assured — they weren’t. That really was a throwback club in the bag. And no, it wasn’t some marketing gimmick or a charity pro-am party trick. It’s just Rickie being Rickie.
Fresh off a strong showing at The Open Championship, where he finished inside the top 15, Fowler has carried more than momentum into the 3M Open. He also brought a bit of old-school soul — and he wasn’t shy about it.
“I play with Persimmons a bit at home sometimes… It’s a bit of fun,” Fowler said with a grin during a pre-tournament interview. “I might drive it better with Persimmon. I’m not sure what it is. I hit them well.”
Vintage Vibes, Modern Stakes
A bit of fun — sure, but this wasn’t just nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. Fowler has always had an appreciation for the game’s heritage, and this latest move shows just how deep that runs.
He owns a few Bellottas and Professionals — names that mean something to gearheads and purists alike. At the same time, other players fine-tune AI-enhanced face angles and carbon-fiber torque numbers, Rickie’s swinging wood with soul.
“I’ve always enjoyed the history of the game,” he added. “Hickories are probably too much for me, though.”
But let’s be clear — Rickie hasn’t gone full vintage. The Persimmon likely won’t make it to Sunday afternoon when things get serious. But don’t be surprised if it shows up during a practice round or even just for a couple of feel-good tee shots during the week. For Fowler, it’s about rhythm, feel, and maybe a little bit of swagger.
Cool Gear, Hot Finish?
That easygoing, retro-cool vibe fits perfectly with the rest of Fowler’s week. On the lifestyle side, he made a splash when Yeti Coolers officially announced him as a brand ambassador. A sharp, highlight-reel Instagram post from Yeti featured Rickie toting bottles and mugs on the course. Fowler reposted it with a simple caption: “Stoked to be part of the team.”
So here’s where we are: Rickie Fowler enters the critical final leg of the PGA Tour season to secure his playoff spot. He’s chasing points, but doing it on his terms. With a Persimmon in hand, a Yeti in the cup holder, and the type of confidence that comes from knowing exactly who you are as a player, Fowler’s got his vibe dialed in.
