Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Rickie Fowler had one of the best starts of the Cognizant Classic, but still ended the day tied for fifth courtesy of Jake Knapp’s spectacular 59. Still, Fowler, who knows what it’s like to win at PGA National, found himself pleased with his play over the first 18 holes despite being five shots off the lead.Assessing his performance in the post-round interview, Rickie Fowler admitted that he did not have an easy start, saying that the key was to stay calm.”Yeah, a little slow coming out,” Fowler told to the media. “Birdied our first at 10 but missed a few short ones. Sitting there even par through seven holes, and there’s guys out there that were 5, 6-under pretty early. Just had to kind of stay patient. I was doing a lot of things well, just wasn’t piecing things together.””One poor swing on 14 and missed a few short ones,” he added. “So finally birdied 17 and 18 to make the turn and get things going. Yeah, nice to get something on the back and make a few coming in to try and get as close to a 59 as possible so we’re not too far behind the 8-ball.”
Rickie Fowler of the United States plays his shot from the fourth tee during the first round of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches 2025 at PGA National Resort And Spa on February 27,…
Rickie Fowler of the United States plays his shot from the fourth tee during the first round of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches 2025 at PGA National Resort And Spa on February 27, 2025 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
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Jake Knapp shot a 12-under 59 in the first round of the Cognizant Classic, the 15th under-60 score in PGA Tour history.Fowler, who won here in 2017, noted how impressive the feat was, even though some of his peers have questioned the course because they feel it doesn’t have the difficulty of years past.”Yeah, 59 anywhere is hard to do,” Fowler said. “I don’t care if you go play from 6,500 yards. You still have to make putts. You still have to hit it close enough to have those opportunities. With this place, we’ve seen some low scores, guys get after it when the conditions are right. But obviously no one has shot 59 before out here.”The Orange Warrior started the first round on the 10th hole, which he birdied. Despite that, it didn’t look like it was going to be his day, as he shot par on the 7th after bogeying the 5th. However, he played his best golf from that moment on, with seven birdies without a bogey in his last 11 holes to finish at 7-under.The 39-year-old has a 15-year career in professional golf and has played on the PGA Tour since 2010. He has six wins at the highest level, including The Players Championship in 2015. His most recent title came at the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic.Fowler will tee off to begin his second round at 12:40 pm ET.More Golf: 2-Time Masters Winner Doubts Jon Rahm Can Make History Amid LIV Golf Move
