Spectacular back nine sends Fowler into third round of Shriners Open

As he prepared to make the turn to play his back nine at TPC Summerlin on Friday afternoon, things were looking grim for Rickie Fowler and for those who run the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

Fowler was in danger of missing the cut, and the tournament was in danger of losing its marquee attraction.

But Fowler turned it around on his back nine, carding four birdies, an eagle at the par-5 13th and a great par save at the par-5 16th to keep his spot in the field for the weekend, finishing with a second-round 6-under-par 65.

Fowler is at 5-under 137. The cut is expected to come at 2 under or 3 under.

"I knew I had to make something happen, so I played more offensively," Fowler said. "I wasn't hitting the ball badly on the front side, I just wasn't getting much to show for it."

Fowler made a 79-foot putt for eagle at 13 and a 20-foot downhill putt to save par at 16. He said the par putt was bigger.

"The eagle putt, that was a bonus," he said. "The putt at 16 was huge. That took a lot of stress off me. I was able to play the last two holes a little freer-minded."

He finished with a birdie at the par-4 18th, and with Fowler playing as he is capable and looking to get himself into contention, officials are expecting a large crowd today.

"I'm going to need a good round," Fowler said. "I need to be closer than six shots back or whatever I am. This golf course definitely yields low rounds, and I definitely don't need someone out in front to run away."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj