Rickie Fowler could invest in Leeds United with two PGA Tour stars

Rickie Fowler is one of three elite American golfers planning to invest in Leeds United.

Fowler, the joint-first round leader at the US Open, could become an investor in the Championship side alongside two of his closest friends on the PGA Tour, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.

The 49ers Enterprises, the investment arm of the NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers, is inching closer to a deal to take over the West Yorkshire club from outgoing owner Andrea Radrizzani.

• USGA announce record US Open purse

• Record breakers set pace at US Open

And Fowler revealed before his first round at the Los Angeles Country Club that he is advancing in talks to get involved in the club.

“Not yet, technically,” he said when asked by Sky Sports’ Jamie Weir if he could now be classed as part-owner.

“There is the group that’s moving forward with being involved with Leeds. Myself, JT (Thomas) and Jordan (Spieth) potentially will be a part of it.”

The possible investment from three of golf’s most renowned players will add an extra level of intrigue into the new ownership of Leeds, particularly on the PGA Tour circuit.

Billy Foster, the caddie of Sheffield United supporter Matt Fitzpatrick, is a big Leeds fan and Fowler was jokingly asked if the veteran looper had recruited the trio.

Ricky Fowler tells Sky Sports News exclusively that he is looking to become an investor in Leeds United amid the 49ers takeover ⚽🏌️ pic.twitter.com/npa1TN0r4m

— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) June 14, 2023

“He didn’t know about it from the start but we told him after knowing that he’s a huge Leeds United supporter,” Fowler replied.

“So yeah, it’s cool to have those opportunities. I know we’re looking into it and yeah, it will be fun if we get to be a part of it. If not, we’ll continue to root for Leeds to see if we can help out Billy.”

Leeds fans will be hoping the possible investment from Fowler, Thomas and Spieth will bring similar success to American actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds transforming the future of Wrexham.

• Phil Mickelson hammered by heckler at US Open

• Lowest rounds of golf in major championship history

The fans are desperate for the club to make an immediate return to the Premier League, and Fowler is excited about the prospect of experiencing a fervent Elland Road atmosphere once his involvement is confirmed.

“That would be great,” Fowler continued. “Obviously they got relegated but to be able to go to a Premier League game, the Champions League, any of that. You call it football over there, we call it soccer here, but it’s a massive sport.

“I feel like it’s continuing to get bigger in the states but since I haven’t been to a game, don’t have the true appreciation until actually being able to go and be there and feel that energy.”

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.