Striking orange bears fruit for Fowler

By Tom Pilcher

ST ANDREWS, Scotland (Reuters) - There was no missing Rickie Fowler at the British Open on Sunday as the American's electrifying golf was matched only by his head-to-toe bright orange outfit.

"Not many people wear orange so it's a good way to stand out a bit," the 21-year-old told reporters after signing off for a five-under 67 at the Old Course to finish four-under for the tournament.

With his hair peaking out from underneath his cap, Fowler was a vision in orange. Baseball cap, shirt, belt, trousers, shoes, even his watch did not escape the visual overload.

But there is so much more to the Fowler game than his dazzling wardrobe.

Reality bit hard with an opening 79 at St Andrews but he soon got to grips with the nuances required for success here and signed off with a stunning four-birdie run in the last six holes, a feat matched by few this week.

He prompted one of the biggest roars of the day on Sunday when from the front of the 17th green he drained a 120-foot putt for a rare birdie at the revered 'Road' hole.

"That's the longest putt I've ever made," he grinned.

The world number 37's flowing hair was even tinged with a hint of orange, but his outfit was a tribute to his old school rather than a fashion competition with equally colourful fellow American John Daly, who sported stars and stripes trousers for his final round.