Tuesday 26 January 2016 14:06, UK
Rich Beem looks back at Rickie Fowler's victory at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and predicts a big 2016 for the new world No 4.
I've got to say that Fowler this week showed me something I'd never seen before. I knew he was a good player, but he has shown guts beyond belief and is such a positive, courageous player.
He was part of the featured group with Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth over the first two days and didn't play his best stuff, but for him to emerge from this tournament on top shows me his game is absolutely world class.
There was no doubt in my mind that it was the Rickie Fowler show. I was so impressed with how well he handled the pressure and he looked so calm on the outside.
Winning round
He had trouble with his speed on Thursday but had no issues of that over the first few holes on Sunday, birdieing the first hole and burying one on the second, too.
At the seventh, he found the rock under his ball just short of the green, put himself in a disastrous place with his third but then showed some of his courage by knocking it to the middle of the green and two-putting for double-bogey.
"He has always been a world class player, but those recent couple of victories have proven that."
There's not a lot you can say about the eagle at the eighth, as it showed exactly what he is made of. He made so many clutch-putts from five feet over the last few holes, and that chip-in on the 17th was so impressive.
He got the job done and you have to congratulate Fowler for having a great championship, especially after not having a great finish to 2015.
I think the win at the Players Championship took him to the top, but the victory at the Scottish Open really gave him the belief that he is a world class player who can take his game all around the world and win.
This victory could lead to a massive 2016 for Fowler. He knows what it takes to win big, so has lots of big stuff coming up ahead. He has always been a world-class payer but those recent couple of victories have proved that.
Back for more?
Spieth should be proud of himself, as to perform like he did was admirable. He didn't have his best stuff but ground out results day in, day out and had a nice finish.
That final few holes to get him in a tie for fifth means he goes to Singapore with the confidence of knowing that even without his best he is still pretty darn good!
I think because of this victory from Rickie we may see Jordan come back here, as he'll want another crack at this golf course and may feel like it owes him one.
This win will also heap some interest on the PGA Tour players and get them thinking about why they're not playing in the Middle East early in their year. It's easily as good as the West Coast Swing weather-wise, so I'd be shocked if we don't see more American's coming over for at least one of the three Desert Swing events.
The crowds were fantastic and I have to say I was a little surprised when I found out earlier in the day that Sunday was actually a working day. It's such a gorgeous setting, has wonderful sponsors, the golf course is impeccable and the fans came out in their droves to see a new winner in Fowler.
