Rickie Fowler Wins Hero World Challenge with -11 Final Round

In a week that heavily focused on Tiger Woods’ first competition in over a year, Rickie Fowler stole the show on Sunday to win the 2017 Hero World Challenge. After coming into the final round seven shots behind leader Charley Hoffman, Fowler had his work cut out for him. He was up for the challenge.

That’s right. The Oklahoma State legend was -8 through nine holes to take the lead. He finished -11 on the day, -18 for the tournament to claim victory.

Fowler was by far the best player in the 18-man field on Sunday.

Woods, the tournament’s host, finished his final round with a respectable 68, but a 3-over 75 hurt Woods as he finished the tournament 8-under par and 10 shots back of Fowler.

Charley Hoffman appeared to be in control headed into the final day of the tournament, but after shooting an even-par round, he was passed by Fowler and finished second.

Fowler was flirting with the magical number of 59 (13-under par), but failed to do so. His final-round 61 was not only a career best, but a course and tournament best.

This is Fowler’s first win at the Hero World Challenge in his career, and his first on the 2018 PGA Tour schedule.

His last win came just under a year ago at The Honda Classic 279 days ago.

With the win, Fowler claims $1 million of the $3.5 million purse.

Fans have to be excited watching this magnificent showing over the final 18 holes, and many on Twitter are saying this is finally going to be the year Fowler wins a major tournament. The first major isn’t until the U.S. Masters in April.

Up next on the PGA tour is the Tournament of Champions Jan. 4-7, 2018 at The Plantation Course on Kapalua Resort in Maui, Hawaii.