PGA Tour star Rickie Fowler reveals shocking hate messages after missing out on Tour Championship

Rickie Fowler revealed he was subjected to homophobic hate messages on Instagram after he missed out on a tee time at the PGA Tour's season finale. 

Fowler went into the BMW Championship last week at Caves Valley Golf Club in Maryland needing a top-five finish to make it to East Lake. 

The popular U.S. golfer charged up the leaderboard on Sunday but ultimately came up agonisingly short of his intended goal of being among the top 30. 

Scottie Scheffler added more silverware to his trophy cabinet by reeling in Scotland's Robert MacIntyre. 

Fowler, though, was among a plethora of big names that will not head to Georgia for the $40m showpiece. 

"Heading home," a disappointed Fowler shared on Instagram alongside a picture of his clubs in the locker room. "It has been a fun run the last few months. 

"We left it all out there and [it is] a bummer to come up a little short of the 30. Thanks to my team and especially all of my fans. Coming back stronger!"

One user, named 'Cliff', decided to rub salt into Fowler's wounds by sending the golfer a homophobic message. 

GolfMagic will not share what was said, but Fowler clapped back by telling the user 'you know where to find me and I'd love to see you face to face'. 

"You're the one hiding behind your little fake account," Fowler wrote. I'm sure your significant others are so thrilled [with] how you've done in life."

Fowler was inundated with messages of support. 

He added: "We typically ignore the hate but figured I'd give you a taste for fun. 

"Unfortunately there is that very small percentage of people who have to do/say certain things to make themselves feel better. We are all better than that. 

"I was always taught to treat others how you want to be treated and if you don't have anything nice to say then don't. Pretty simple. Much love."