Tuesday 10 May 2016 10:45, UK
Rich Beem believes Rickie Fowler can bounce back from his Quail Hollow disappointment and mount a serious title defence at this week’s Players Championship.
Fowler took a one-shot lead into the final round of the Wells Fargo Championship, but ended two strokes back in tied-fourth after a disappointing two-over 74 on Sunday.
James Hahn went on to claim a play-off victory over Robert Castro at the first extra hole, while Fowler was left to settle for a seventh top-10 finish in 11 worldwide starts during 2016.
The world No 5 heads to TPC Sawgrass this week as defending champion having snatched victory in a play-off after a memorable finale last time around, and Beem fully expects Fowler to contend again.
"He was in contention going to Sunday but didn't have his best stuff," Beem told Sky Sports. "He has to clean that up a little bit, but you have to feel excited for him because he is starting to come into form.
"This time last year was when he really blossomed and won the Players Championship and you've got to like his chances.
"He's very confident and you can see that in the way he talks and walks; everything he does just exudes confidence.
"I'd have a hard time betting against him, but I also have a long laundry list of players I couldn't bet against, so it should make for an exciting week."
Click on the video above to hear more from Rich Beem's TPC Sawgrass preview with Sarah Stirk
Watch the Players Championship throughout week from May 12-15 live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf
