The last time Rickie Fowler appeared in a Ryder Cup he had USA shaved into his head. The game’s brightest character beems with national pride, and the Minnesota natives will lap it up.

He, along with friend Bubba Watson, have been influencing golf culture throughout the years with music videos, hovercraft, and Moto-cross.

‘The Ryder Cup is special,’ said Fowler. ‘It’s a special week. Just being a part of it, I know Bubba is already soaking in the vice captain position and he’s excited to be here. I know he’d rather be playing, but it’s fun having him.’

He’s likely to spark the American fire that burns in players like Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth, helping to bring Team USA players together.

‘There’s something to be said about playing a home game,’ said Fowler. ‘I’m excited for the opportunity to finally get to do that, and to be back at Hazeltine. I played the 2006 Amateur here. Played well and looking forward to drawing on some good past experience.’

He displayed some of that ‘party-organiser’ flair during the Spring Break 2016 trip that he took with three other young prodigies from the PGA Tour.

‘We enjoy hanging with each other, practicing with each other. A lot of us practice together when we’re back home in Florida. We travel together, so we end up spending quite a bit of time with each other,’ said Fowler.

From Friday it will be serious on the course, but the tempo of a Ryder Cup is unique and Fowler will surely revel in the atmosphere.

‘I mean every day is basically like going into the final round of a tournament. You know what you’ve got to do. You’ve got to beat the other two guys, or in singles the other guy you’re playing against.

‘It’s not just the golf but everything else around it. It’s awesome, and love seeing some younger guys come in. And I think we’re going to see a lot more the next coming years,’ he said.