PGA Tour golfer Rickie Fowler helps in rebuild of Harvey-damaged home in north Houston

HOUSTON – A PGA Tour golfer and volunteers helped rebuild a north Houston home that had been flooded by Hurricane Harvey.

The list of volunteers included Farmer's Insurance employees, SBP and AmeriCorps volunteers and pro golfer Rickie Fowler.

Instead of a golf club, he had a paint roller in his hand.  

“It worked out nicely for us because everything was taped off,” Fowler said. “All we had to do was start rolling.”

The pro golfer was helping out the Gilbert family, whose home was hit hard by Harvey's floodwaters. Things got worse when the Gilberts opened up their walls.  

“I start seeing termite damage, I start seeing electrical damage and we didn't know how we are going to do it,” Daniel Gilbert said. 

This is the second home the Farmer's insurance has sent volunteers and resources to. But it’s not the last.   

“Our goal is to help 100 Houston families to get back in their homes in the Houston area,” said Leesa Eichberger, the head of brand marketing at Farmer’s Insurance.

The Gilberts said it was a relief to get this help.

“Our main focus was him and we didn't want him in the house,” said Daniel Gilbert, referring to his adopted 5-year-old son, Justin Gilert.

Justin, who had just been given a small putter, put it to good use by hitting golf balls.  

You would never know by looking at Justin, that he has a congenital heart defect and may have to go for a fifth surgery this summer.

All the more reason Fowler was happy to help "tee" this family up with the help they need to get back in their home.

“Being able to meet the family and being able to help out, that's the best part,” Fowler said.