Why Does Rickie Fowler Have An Olympic Tattoo?
The American marked his Olympic debut in 2016 by getting the iconic logo inked on his arm
Olympic spirit was high when golf's return to one of the biggest sporting events in the world was announced after more than a 100-year absence.
Not since 1904 in St. Louis had golfers battled it out for the fabled gold medal, before Peter Dawson and Ty Vatow, president and vice president of the International Golf Federation (IGF) respectively at the time, led the argument for the sport to be reinstated.
And in 2009, the International Olympic Committee voted in favour of golf's bid and confirmed it would be part of the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
"It's the end of a long journey, or the beginning of a new one," Dawson said, after the first tee shot was struck at the Olympic Golf Course in Brazil's capital city.
The field for both the men's and women's competition was limited to 60 players and based on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). Specifically, the top 15 in the rankings at the cutoff point were eligible, although each country was limited to a maximum of four players.
Outside the top 15, a maximum of two from each country that didn't already have two or more representatives then qualified until the field was set. Competition was particularly tough to make Team USA. Americans have long dominated the world rankings, but in the end, Matt Kuchar, Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed and Rickie Fowler suited up for the stars and stripes.
Kuchar finished highest of the American contingent in the 72-hole stroke play shootout, clinching the bronze medal behind Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson who took gold and silver respectively, but the event seemed to take on particular significance for Fowler. He marked the occasion by getting a tattoo of the iconic Olympic rings on his right forearm.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Fowler finished in a tie for 37th at level par, alongside Danny Willett and 13 shots out of the medals, but will always be able to say he represented his country on arguably the grandest stage in all of sport.
Forever Olympians @RickieFowler pic.twitter.com/unkO3y8JYQSeptember 15, 2016
During the Games, Fowler was pictured hanging out with fellow athletes from other sports and even got an Olympics-themed haircut. Former Olympic diver Sam Dorman, who won a silver medal in Rio, tweeted "Forever Olympians @RickieFowler" after the pair got inked with matching tattoos.
But Fowler wasn't the only American to get a permanent reminder of his Olympics experience. Lexi Thompson, who finished in a tie for 19th in 2016 and 33rd at the 2021 Tokyo Games, also got a commemorative tattoo on her left wrist, as can be seen below.
For all the money the biggest names in golf now play for, especially on the men's side, it shows that there are some things that can't be measured in zeros in a bank account.
A lifelong golf fan, Andy graduated in 2019 with a degree in Sports Journalism and got his first role in the industry as the Instruction Editor for National Club Golfer. From there, he decided to go freelance and now covers a variety of topics for Golf Monthly.
Andy took up the game at the age of seven and even harboured ambitions of a career in the professional ranks for a spell. That didn’t pan out, but he still enjoys his weekend golf at Royal Troon and holds a scratch handicap. As a side note, he's made five holes-in-one and could quite possibly be Retief Goosen’s biggest fan.
As well as the above, some of Andy's work has featured on websites such as goal.com, dailyrecord.co.uk, and theopen.com.
What's in Andy's bag?
Driver: Callaway Mavrik Sub-Zero (9°)
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (15°)
Driving iron: Titleist U500 (17°)
Irons: Mizuno mp32 (4-PW)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM9 (50°, 54° and 58°)
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport 2.5
Ball: TaylorMade TP5x
-
Lucas Herbert's Caddie Struck By Water Bottle After Celebrations On LIV Golf Adelaide Watering Hole
An incident on the par-3 12th - dubbed the watering hole - saw Lucas Herbert's caddie struck in the head by a water bottle
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Sergio Garcia Makes Putter Change To Relaunched Model Brand At LIV Golf Adelaide
The Spaniard has swapped his putter yet again in Australia, with Garcia reportedly using a model from Dunlop Sports' relaunched 'Never Compromise Reserve' line
By Matt Cradock Published
-
LIV Golf's Henrik Stenson Wins Car For A Fan At Port Adelaide Aussie Rules Match
The Majesticks GC co-captain completed a golfing challenge during Port Adelaide's home game against St Kilda
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Rickie Fowler To Complete Family Fourball With Announcement Of Second Child On The Way
Rickie Fowler and wife Allison will welcome their second child in August this year, the couple announced in a Masters-themed social media post
By Paul Higham Published
-
Mexico Open Prize Money Payout 2024
Tony Finau defends his title in a tournament offering $400,000 more than the 2023 edition
By Mike Hall Published
-
Why Rickie Fowler’s Driver-Face Tweaks Are Completely Legal
The American recently made a small aesthetic change to the face of his driver - but it won't land him in any hot water...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Patrick Cantlay Unveils New Cap Sponsor After Losing Goldman Sachs Deal
The World No.5 has signed with Apollo, weeks after splitting from investment banking company, Goldman Sachs
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Justin Rose Penalized After Playing Wrong Ball At The Sentry
The Ryder Cup legend admitted his mistake on social media following a contrasting first Thursday back on the PGA Tour
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Butterfield Bermuda Championship Purse, Prize Money And Field 2023
There'll be a new Butterfield Bermuda Champion in 2023, with Adam Scott among the field at Port Royal Golf Course
By Mike Hall Published
-
How To Get Tickets For The 2024 Open At Royal Troon
The ticket ballot is open for next year's 152nd Open at Troon
By Michael Weston Published