Rickie Fowler Explains Touching Reason Why Some PGA Tour Players Are Wearing Black Ribbons At 3M Open

Many pros at TPC Twin Cities - especially those who have used or are using Odyssey products - will have a black ribbon attached to their apparel this week

A side view of Rickie Fowler's head where he's wearing a white cap and black ribbon with 'KH' inscribed on
(Image credit: Getty Images)
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At this week's 3M Open, many of the players involved will be wearing black ribbons on their cap or polo shirts with the letters 'KH' inscribed.

KH are the initials of Kayla Hale - the wife of longtime Odyssey Tour rep Cody Hale - who died last week at the age of 38 after battling cancer.

As a mark of respect, competitors such as Rickie Fowler have donned the ribbon on course at TPC Twin Cities and will continue to do so throughout tournament play.

After carding a bogey-free round of 65 on Thursday, Fowler - who has used an Odyssey putter in the past - explained why he was eager to attach the token to his cap.

He said: "Yeah, I've known Cody for a handful of years. He's helped me quite a bit on putters when I've used the Odyssey products.

Rickie Fowler hits driver during round one of the 2025 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"Great guy and this [black ribbon] is... his wife was battling cancer for a while and was in remission, but it popped back up and she unfortunately passed I guess about a week and a half ago now.

"So he's someone that's... Cody's part of the family out here, and when you're part of the family, their family's part of the family, too."

Once the news was broken to PGA Tour players and officials alike, a GoFundMe page was set up to help the Hale family through this difficult time.

Cody Hale is not at TPC Twin Cities this week as he cares for he and his wife's two children, who are aged two and four.

Fowler continued: "You know, can't really imagine what they're all going through, him and his boys, but to be able to at least help out and show our support, I think everyone out here does a great job of that.

"Hopefully we'll be able to see him back out here soon. I know he loves being out here with all of us. At this time I know he wants to be home with his boys. Hopefully they can get through this."

First-round leader, Adam Svensson - who broke the course record via an 11-under 60 on Thursday - was another player to join in the cause.

He said: "Yeah, I've known Cody for a couple years now. It's very tragic what happened. Just something to know that we're here for him."

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Jonny Leighfield
Jonny Leighfield
Staff Writer

Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Joaquin Niemann. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and recently reached his Handicap goal of 18 for the first time. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.

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