Rickie Fowler swings out of the past and into AT&T contention

PEBBLE BEACH — Yes, that is Rickie Fowler near the top of the leaderboard after two rounds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am, reminding us of the career he’s had as well as the career we thought he would have.

Fowler shot an 8-under 64 Friday at Spyglass Hill, utilizing the first two days of the tournament along with its historically famous neighbor, Pebble Beach.

That left him a lone shot behind the second-round co-leaders, Akshay Bhatia and Ryo Hisatune, who were at a splendid 15-under par score of 129 for 36 holes.

Bhatia had a 64 at Spyglass Friday after a 65 Thursday, while Hisatsune had a 67 after a remarkable 10-under 62 Thursday on Pebble.

These scores might be slightly bewildering to those who have read or heard about years of calamities on the Monterey Peninsula because of cold and rain, but Thursday the temperature was in the mid 60’s and nary a drop fell from the heavens.

Sam Burns, who had a good enough season last year to be a wild card pick for the U.S. Ryder Cup team, shot a 67 Friday at Spyglass and is at 130, tied with Fowler, one off the lead.

Scottie Scheffler, number one in the world rankings, shot 66 Friday after a rather untoward but even par 72 for a 136, while defending champ, Rory McIlroy, went 67-68 for 135.

Fowler grew up in Southern California, and as a youth was as well known for his motocross racing as his golfing.

He went to Oklahoma State and, quickly enough after leaving school, turned pro and turned heads. In 2014, he finished in the top five in all four majors, including second places in the US Open and British Open. He seemed destined to be another—dare we say—Tiger Woods. But while he has finished first in six tour events, including the very important FedEx Cup, Rickie never won that elusive major. 

He’s had injuries and bad breaks. Maybe now, at age 37, he’ll get that big one.

“It’s a fun place,” Fowler said about playing on the Monterey Peninsula. “I really enjoy playing both Spy and Pebble. Yeah, they’re tough to beat. Looking forward to getting out there this weekend and continuing some hopefully stress-free golf, keep it simple and see if we can get it done.”

Bhatia, 23, and Hisatsune are both seeking their first win. “I feel like my golf swings are in a very nice spot,” said Bhatia, after not playing great at the Amex (Palm Desert) or Torrey Pines. “I just found some stuff in my golf swing, which was really nice.”

Hisatsune’s swing didn’t please him as much as it did Thursday, but still he shot five under at Spyglass despite bogeys on 18 and 1, playing the back nine 1st.

In other non-news, relating to birdies and pars, there was a rumor that Taylor Swift would appear to watch her fiancé, Travis Kelce, take part in the tournament’s minimal Pro-Am.

The gallery was spiked. The rumor was false. But it gave us a brief reminder of the old Crosby Pro-Am and celebrities.