Rickie Fowler bites back at heckling Leeds fan who called him ‘coward’ at The Open
Rickie Fowler fired a clever remark back at an angry Leeds United fan during Thursday’s round at The Open. The American golf star was originally involved in the investment group that has just purchased the Whites, although he pulled out of the deal after their relegation from the Premier League.
Fowler, 34, has been ranked as high as fourth in the world, with a top-three in all four majors on his CV. The California-born star was among the favourites going into this week’s contest at Royal Liverpool, where a wave of supporters turned out on day one.
Not all of them were there to cheer Fowler on, however. A video posted to social media showed one rowdy fan shouting in the golfer’s direction: “What happened to the 49ers investment? Come on Leeds!”
Meanwhile, the person holding the camera could be heard calling Fowler a ‘coward’, with the American flashing a look in their direction as he walked past.
Speaking about the heckler after carding a +1 opening round to leave him well down the leaderboard, Fowler admitted it was the first time he had ever been targeted in such a way, before telling the culprit to put his money where his mouth is.
“He called me a coward for not going through with my Leeds investment,” he said. “That’s a first. Maybe he should put up his own money.”
Fowler was originally one of the small-stakes investors in 49ers Enterprises, who completed the takeover of Leeds from Andrea Radrizzani earlier this week.
