Back in the late 1990s, many people's opinion of golf was that it was a sport for older, white men. Then along came Tiger Woods, and he really shook up the establishment, making golf cool to younger folks, and to minority groups as well.
Now, after his very public family issues, he is struggling to get back to being one of the best. However, in more ways than one, the next generation is coming up quickly behind him. And making a splash too!
It was just announced that 22 year old Rickie Fowler, last year's PGA Rookie of the Year award winner, is going to be playing editor for Golf Digest, replacing Tiger. This puts Fowler in league with some of the games greatest names, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson. Not bad for a sophomore.
Of course, this decision has some people questioning Golf Digest's motives. As one commenter at NBC Sports stated, "I’d rather hear what a more seasoned/experienced golfer and person has to say than Fowler." I'd have to say that it definitely looks like the magazine is targeting a younger audience with this choice, but does his relative inexperience mean Fowler's advice won't cut it?
On the contrary, anyone who makes it into the ranks of being a PGA Tour player is among the best, and his age shouldn't matter. While more traditionalists won't look to Fowler for fashion advice, and his antics may cause more controversy, his skills at the game of golf are unmistakable, and for that he is a good choice for the magazine. And I'm sure the additional readers this move may bring was at least in some way a motivating factor.
By the way, if you are unfamiliar with Fowler or his antics, you may get a pretty good idea watching the video below - a commercial filmed by his sponsor, Puma, after he won the Rookie of the Year award. Below that are some links to the NBC Sports and Golf Digest stories.
Links:
NBC Sports
Golf Digest
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