Fowler ready for Sawgrass challenge

Rickie Fowler admits he is looking forward to going up against Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy at this week's Players Championship.

The 23-year-old claimed his maiden PGA Tour title on Sunday after beating the Northern Irishman and American DA Points in a play-off to claim the Wells Fargo Championship. And he will be straight back into action on Thursday at the famous Sawgrass venue to contest what has become known as the 'fifth major'. All the top stars are in the field with Fowler set to play with Woods and Hunter Mahan during his first two rounds. The Florida resident has never made the cut at the prestigious event but feels his game is in good shape to do so this year, and he is relishing the chance to play with Woods as he targets win number two. "I know my game is ready to play here," he said. "I'm looking forward to getting back in contention and working on my second win. I wouldn't mind it being this weekend. "I've obviously been around Tiger quite a bit and I played a practice round with him at the Ryder Cup. I enjoy being around him." Fowler and McIlroy look set for a lengthy rivalry in golf as both are 23 and have burst on to the scene at the same time. The Brit has enjoyed more success to date with victory in last year's US Open and Fowler feels it is healthy for golf around the globe to have so many good young players emerging and contending for titles. "I definitely think Rory and I have a friendly rivalry. I respect his game, I feel like he respects mine," he added. "I know he wants to beat me just as bad as I want to beat him. I think the game is in a really good state right now with the amount of good, young players that have come out lately."