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PGA News: Rickie Fowler Withdraws From Mayakoba Classic

As first reported by ESPN, Rickie Fowler has withdrawn from the Mayakoba Classic in Mexico. Fowler was forced to withdraw due to an intestinal infection he sustained recently.

Fowler said in a statement that he did not feel prepared to compete at the PGA Tour event.

“I am taking medicine prescribed by my physician,” Fowler said.  “But am not at full strength yet.  As a result, I am ill-prepared to compete next week.”

Golfweek reached out to Fowler via text message and Fowler said he contracted the infection called Campylobacter jejuni, causing him cramps, fever, and pain.  Fowler said the infection came around the end of his honeymoon.  Fowler told Golfweek he had only started to feel better a few days ago.

Fowler added that he is taking medicine to combat the last stages of the infection and just didn’t have enough time to properly prepare for the Mayakoba Classic.  Fowler has played in the event the last two years with a second and 16th place finish.

Fowler hinted at the possibility of making the RSM Classic in San Simons Island, Georgia in a couple weeks.  However, as pointed out by Golf Week, Fowler might be a late add-on to the Presidents Cup U.S. Team led by captain Tiger Woods who made the difficult decision to leave him off the team earlier this week.

“Rickie’s a good friend of mine and I’ve known him for a long time,” Woods said Thursday. “Kept it short and quick. No reason to make it a lengthy conversation. He’s obviously going to be very disappointed by it.”

Fowler is back in the mix because of Brooks Koepka’s uncertain status.  Koepka has been battling a nagging knee injury that forced him out of the CJ Cup a few weeks ago.  Kevin Kisner, Kevin Na, and Jordan Spieth are also potential candidates to replace Koepka if necessary.

Fowler’s now uncertain status of his own will surely make things extra difficult for Woods.  Either way, Woods has until December 11th to make his replacement pick if Koepka is a no-go.

h/t: ESPN, Golf Week

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