If you’ve ever seen Rickie Fowler walking down the fairway in one of those bright Sunday orange outfits, you probably noticed he doesn't exactly tower over the competition. He’s not a massive guy like Dustin Johnson or some of the newer, linebacker-sized players hitting the PGA Tour lately.
So, how tall is Rickie Fowler exactly?
Rickie Fowler stands at 5 feet 9 inches tall. In a sport where the average pro seems to be getting taller and more muscular by the year, Rickie is a bit of an outlier. But honestly, his height—or lack of it compared to the giants of the game—has never really held him back from being one of the most explosive and recognizable players in the world.
The official numbers and the reality on the grass
When you look at the official PGA Tour media guide, they have him listed at 5'9" and about 150 pounds. Now, if you’ve followed his career from the early days when he was the kid with the long hair and the flat-brim cap, he’s definitely filled out a bit since then. He's 37 years old now, and while he’s still lean, he’s put on some functional muscle to keep up with the modern power game.
Is he actually 5'9"? Most people who have stood next to him at a tournament gallery would say that sounds about right. He’s basically the same height as Rory McIlroy, who is also listed at 5'9". It’s a height that works perfectly for a certain kind of golf swing—one built on timing, incredible flexibility, and rotational speed rather than just raw leverage.
Why his height is actually a secret weapon
You’ve probably heard people say that taller golfers have an advantage because they have longer "levers" (their arms). Longer arms generally mean a wider swing arc, which can lead to more clubhead speed without trying as hard. But being 5'9" gives Rickie some advantages that the big guys don't have.
- Center of Gravity: Rickie stays very connected to the ground. If you watch his swing in slow motion, his balance is insane. Because he’s closer to the ball, there’s often less that can go wrong with his posture during the swing.
- Mobility: Fowler is known for a massive shoulder turn. He actually rotates his upper body way past the 90-degree mark. For a smaller guy, being that flexible is easier than it is for someone who is 6'4" and bulky.
- Consistency in the Wind: Smaller, compact swings are often easier to control when the weather gets nasty. Rickie grew up playing all sorts of sports—including competitive motocross—which gave him a level of body awareness that’s pretty rare.
Does being "shorter" hurt his distance?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: It used to be a bigger concern, but modern tech and Rickie’s specific fitness routine have fixed that. Even back in 2013, people were calling him a "phenom" because he could bomb it 300+ yards despite his frame.
In the 2025 season, Rickie was still hanging in there with a driving distance average that keeps him competitive. He’s not the longest on Tour—he’s usually ranked around the middle of the pack (around 68th to 70th in driving distance)—but he’s plenty long enough to win anywhere. He uses a slightly shorter driver setup than some other pros to gain more control, which is a smart trade-off.
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The Gear Adjustment
Because of his height and swing style, Rickie is very particular about his equipment. He’s famous for playing irons that are a bit more "upright" and has even experimented with shorter-than-standard shafts in his woods. For example, he’s been known to use a 5-wood that’s only about 40 inches long. That’s really short for a pro, but it allows him to work the ball and hit it more like an iron.
What we can learn from Rickie’s stature
If you’re a golfer who isn't 6 feet tall, Rickie is basically the blueprint. He proves that you don't need to be a giant to have a world-class game.
He focuses heavily on "T-spine" (thoracic spine) and glute mobility. He spends 20 to 30 minutes every single day just getting his body to move right before he even touches a club. He uses tools like the Hyperice to keep his muscles loose. For him, the game isn't about being big; it's about being "fluid."
Actionable Takeaways for Your Game
- Don't chase height, chase rotation: If you're 5'9" like Rickie, stop trying to swing like a 6'5" guy. Focus on your shoulder turn and staying stable.
- Check your club length: If you feel like you're reaching for the ball, your clubs might be too long. Even a half-inch difference can change your strike quality.
- Prioritize mobility over bulk: Rickie’s power comes from how fast he can rotate, not how much he can bench press. Work on your hip and mid-back flexibility.
- Master the "ground force": Watch how Rickie uses his legs to push off the ground. That’s where the 300-yard drives come from when you don't have long arms.
Rickie Fowler might not be the tallest guy on the leaderboard, but his career—with over $54 million in earnings and multiple high-profile wins—shows that 5'9" is more than enough to become a legend. He’s currently coming off a solid 2025 comeback where he jumped over 100 spots in bogey avoidance. He’s proving that as long as you can put the ball in the hole, the measurements on your ID don't matter much.
Next time you're at the range, try focusing on your balance and "staying in your height" throughout the swing, just like Rickie does. You might find that you don't need to be taller to hit it further.