Color Rookie Rickie Fowler as Golf's Next Big Coming Attraction

DUBLIN, Ohio -- You get the feeling there really is considerable thought and effort put into PGA Tour rookie Rickie Fowler's daily fashion statement.

So why does he always look like the ambush victim from the losing side of a paintball war?

"Well, I mean, I've always dressed different," Fowler explained. "I come from a different background. I didn't grow up at a country club, so I was always wearing kind of whatever I wanted. I grew up riding racing dirt bikes. So [I'm] kind of edgy in a way."

Take Friday's ensemble, please.

Mint green slacks with a matching print shirt. White golf shoes, trimmed with the same soft green hue, complete with coordinated shoestrings.

"Rickie's pants look like my grandmother's pajama bottoms," a caddy cracked as Fowler walked past the practice area.

And then there's the signature oversized headgear that looks more bonnet than cap and frames a shaggy mop of hair that springs out from its bottom.

So far, however, Fowler has managed to pull it off for one good reason: His golf promises to be bolder than this color wheel.

In Friday's second round of the Memorial Tournament, he shot 66. Combined with Thursday's opening-day 65, Fowler is 13-under par, a score that ties the tournament's 36-hole record, set by Scott Hoch in 1987.

After two laps around Jack Nicklaus' Muirfield Village Golf Club, the 22-year-old former Oklahoma State All-American has made only one bogey. He three-putted from 53 feet on the second hole Thursday to go 1-over. Since then, he has made 10 birdies and two eagles in the following 34 holes.

"He has been playing good all year," said veteran Tim Petrovic, whose second-round 66 has him 9-under, four shots back of Fowler and one behind second-place Justin Rose. "It seems it doesn't matter where he plays every week. He's just putting up the numbers.

"He's a great putter. And I met him last year and chatted with him a little bit. Nice kid. You know, easy to root for."

But about that wardrobe?

"Yeah, I don't know," Petrovic said. "They wouldn't even let me come in if I wore that. And we tease him about getting a haircut, you know, maybe once or twice a year.

"No, he's good for the Tour. He's got a little different look. He's got a little flash."

Donnie Darr saw the same thing in Fowler, the son of a professional motocross racer, when he arrived at Oklahoma State in 2007. Darr was the Cowboys' assistant golf coach during the two seasons Fowler played, winning the Big 12 Championship, earning All-American honors and representing the United States in Walker Cup play.

Now, Darr is in his first season as head golf coach of Ohio State University, just a lay-up shot from this week's tournament site. So a few weeks ago, he sent Fowler a text message offering any help during tournament week.

Fowler messaged back, suggesting Darr "better start getting into shape."

Caddie for the week, Darr is getting a real up-close look at his former player.

"I'm not really surprised because he is a really good ball striker," Darr said of Fowler's success -- four top 10s this year, including a second at Phoenix, in addition to a T2 and T7 last year during three tour appearances at the end of the season.

"And he's not afraid of the stage. I think that has made the transition easier."

There's considerable difference between a good player and that same good player who also is a personality. Whatever "it" is, Fowler seems to have "it" within reach.

There is no lack of confidence, but it stops short of cockiness. His dress screams but he speaks softly.

"Actually, he's very quiet," said Tiger Woods, who recently spent time with Fowler during an EA Sports television commercial shoot.

All the same, Fowler has learned the art of interaction with galleries, working the autograph line for extended periods after completing rounds. He signs and offers a hello. It's not cracking jokes, but it says a lot for his savvy.

"I think everybody likes Rickie because he's a great kid," Darr said. "I think that's the biggest compliment I can give him. He's the same Rickie now as he was when we recruited him to Oklahoma State and while he was at Oklahoma State.

"And his game hasn't changed. 150 yards is 150 yards. A four-foot-putt is still a four-foot putt. He's done a great job of understanding that and understanding who he is and he's comfortable in his own skin."

As for the obvious question, Darr says, yes, Fowler's dress has always been, well, colorful.

And there was one reason no one tried to bring him back from the edge.

"Because he played good," the coach laughed.

Fowler doesn't apologize. Why would anyone need to be sorry for being himself?

"What you see is what you get," he said. "It's me. I just love being out here. I don't mind the spotlight.

"Some people would think it would put pressure on me, but I've dealt with the expectations through junior golf, amateur golf and college golf. So far, so good."