There's a different feeling at Erin Hills on Championship Sunday. Not only has the wind picked up dramatically; so too has the intensity of a half dozen young golfers looking to make history, especially a particular guy who likes wearing orange on Sundays.
Rickie Fowler, arguably the sport's most popular golfer without a major title to his name, has the 2017 U.S. Open within reach and isn't stopping yet.
"It's not going to be an easy day for sure," said Fowler. "I've been there a handful of times and had some good finishes, but I'm looking forward to getting the job done."
Fowler, the world's No. 9 golfer, took to the practice course early Sunday afternoon - donning his traditional Sunday Oklahoma State wardrobe - ready to take another shot at winning his first major. He led the U.S. Open leader board, but since then, he's had company.
"Seeing the leader board, a lot of young guys, a lot of great players," he said. "Someone has a very good chance at ending up with their first major."
Including Fowler, names like Hideki Matsuyama, Brandt Snedeker, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood are all looking to hoist the sterling silver in Erin Hills.
The winds have been strong Sunday, so there is little room for error. But perhaps the man in orange, whose golf bag is green and gold in honor of the Green Bay Packers, will provide a colorful ending to the first U.S. Open in Wisconsin.
"I'll take it exactly where I'm at; that was the goal going into the week, to put ourselves in a position to be in contention on Sunday," Fowler said. "Whether that was two back, two up front, tied for the lead, (whatever). Let's go."
