Rickie Fowler broke strict Masters rule and Augusta official had to tell him twice
Rickie Fowler knows better than anyone else that the Masters is a special tournament with special rules.
As the first major of the year begins on Thursday, the world's best players will also be watching their step, as they fight for a Green Jacket at Augusta.
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Back in 2011, Fowler was a young golfer making his name and blazing a path.
He also had a highly unique fashion style, which included matching clothing and hats.
But rules are rules at Augusta, and Fowler quickly learned that he had to adapt at golf's most prestigious event - or else.
A then 22-year-old Fowler sat for an interview in the Masters media centre with his classic look, which involved a hat worn backwards.
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He was quickly asked by an Augusta National member to turn the hat around so that it faced the proper direction.
Fowler replied with what seemed like obvious reasoning - he wore his hat backward so people could see his face easier.
That didn't fly at the Masters.
Fowler was asked for the second time to turn his hat around.
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The future six-time PGA Tour winner relented, giving way to the tradition and rules that make the Masters what it is.
Fowler won't have to worry about any of that this year as he joins Tiger Woods on the sidelines.
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Dating back to 1934, the Masters has been home to some of golf’s greatest moments.
But Augusta's strict approach to rules is equally famous - as talkSPORT's 'Voice of Golf' Bob Bubka knows better than anyone.
Reflecting on the Fowler incident, Bubka said: "Having the rules is one thing, having the players rapidly agree to follow the rules is another thing.
";Professional golfers, they like doing things their own way. Well, there is no own way.
"When you get to Augusta National, there's only one way and that is the Augusta National way."
Besides no backward-hats in press conferences - autographs, cellphones and cameras are no-nos for the patrons.
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Running also isn't allowed, with walking emphasised throughout the course.
Sitting on the lush, green grass is also forbidden.
The same for chairs with arm rests.
Bubka added: "Where'd you ever hear of a golf tournament where you can't sit on the grass?"
And it's a steep learning curve, with a previous rookie finding out very quickly.
Like Fowler, of the hefty and extensive rulebook.
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Ahead of the 2022 iteration, the American star, now on the LIV Golf tour, went out onto the practice green wearing black shorts.
Onlookers were understandably a little nervy but eventually Augusta National Co-Head Professional J.J. Weaver put Gooch right.
Minutes later black trousers arrived, allowing him to cover up.
Most recently, Jason Day was asked to remove a bold Malbon sweater by Augusta officials in 2024.
The Aussie also revealed the Green Jackets asked to see his fashion plans for the 2025 event.
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“If they would have let us do what we first put in the scripting, it would have been a lot crazier than last year,” Day said during an appearance on the Dan on Golf show.
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“But, you know, it'll be toned down, just because… they asked to see the scripting before.
“I've always been pretty neutral and down the middle, and this year they asked because obviously what happened last year.”
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