STEVENS POINT (Wisconsin) — Steve Stricker’s journey has now come full circle.
Edgerton’s native son, who won the WIAA State golf tournament nearly four decades ago, returns to SentryWorld Golf Course for the first time in almost forty years. This time, he hopes to win the U.S. Senior Open for a second time.
It’s amazing to be able drive to a location that I won 39 years ago and compete there. It’s crazy how fast the time has passed. Stricker said on Tuesday that it was a “special spot”. This is one of Wisconsin’s first golf courses, a new-design course similar to the ones we played as junior golfers.
It’s a pretty special thing to be able come full circle. It’s pretty cool to play a Champions Tour Major out here.”
The 56-year old said that since his arrival at Stevens Point, he has recalled a few of his memories from 1984.
“I remember the flower (on the 16th-hole). This is what I remember. I can remember shooting 76-76. Stricker stated, “That’s not going get us done here this week.” “I remember that my family and close friends were here.” “But, I don’t remember much else besides the few scores that i shot.”
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Golfers will have to ‘test’ their skills on the rough and fairways
Host a U.S. SentryWorld has hosted a U.S.
This week’s 43rd Senior Major will be the most high-profile event in the 42-year-history of the course. It is also the first major championship held in central Wisconsin.
In 2021, the course designed by Robert Trent Jones underwent its largest renovation in history. The course has been closed for fine-tuning since late September in preparation for this week.
Stricker stated, “It is in excellent condition.” “I’m looking forward to it starting.”
The length of the roughs, and the importance of driving the ball accurately have been the main topics discussed in the lead-up to this week.
It depends on how it is set up. Stricker stated that it would be a difficult task. It’s thick unless they have mowed it here in the past couple of days. It’s very punishing. It’s very penal.
Stricker admitted that he had not yet developed a plan for playing aggressively on Thursday and Friday. This is especially true on the three par-5 holes on the course. However, the most important thing will be to keep the ball on the fairway.
It’s really going to be that simple to just go for it. Stricker admitted that he didn’t have much extra power. Stricker said, “I might be able get it out another 5 or 10 yards if I hit it harder. But it’s all about getting it into play on the fairway.”
Nicki will be caddying again for him this week. She caddied when Stricker won the AmFam Championship at University Ridge Golf Course, Madison earlier this month. He had a record score of 18 under par. This was Stricker’s fourth title out of 11 tournaments that he competed in during this season.
Stricker replied, “She can have it whenever she wants.” She couldn’t come today, but will be back tomorrow and for the rest of this week. It’s up to her. Sometimes she wants to leave and other times she doesn’t.
A win the Strickers won’t soon forget @amfamchamp @stevestricker @nicstricker @bobbistrick @IzziStricker pic.twitter.com/DBcCMojr2X
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Stricker is under a different pressure this time when he plays a major at Badger State
Stricker has not had the best history of majors in Wisconsin. He missed qualifying at the 2004 PGA Championship in Whistlingstraits, before finishing tied for the 18th place at the 2010 PGA Championship. After not being granted an exemption, he was forced to qualify for the U.S. Open 2017 at Erin Hills.
Recently, however, the tides have shifted.
Stricker led the U.S. in 2021 Ryder Cup victory over Europe as its captain. Stricker has also won two senior majors this season. He won the Regions Tradition with a six-stroke margin on May 14, and then the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship by a one-shot margin against Padraig harrington in a playoff on May 26.
Jerry Kelly, a Madison native, told the Journal Sentinel that he was predicting Steve to be among the players who have a chance of winning. “I want to make birdie on the really difficult 18th hole so as to prevent him from winning,” he said.
You can’t ignore what this guy has done this year. He’s playing incredible golf and winning our majors with five and six shots. “He’s the best-putter on tour for a good reason.”
Stricker said that his recent success is due to finding consistency.
Stricker stated, “It is about doing what I have been doing.” Stricker said, “I have been doing everything pretty well. Driving it in the fairway and getting it on greens. “I’ve also been putting much better in the last few months.”
According to him, playing in his native state in 2017 is different from 2010 or 2010, given his current career stage.
Stricker stated, “I enjoy things (now) a bit more.” “Back then, when we played at Whistling Hills or Erin Hills I probably felt more stress.
This is how I play. I believe you can play better this way. I am enjoying it.
Stricker has said that he no longer feels the same pressure.
“I’m under a lot of pressure this week.” I want to perform well. Stricker: “I want to play well and compete, but that was a different level back then.
Nine other golfers were in Stricker’s shoes when it came to the goal at hand, which was to win three consecutive major championships for seniors.
No one has done it. Bernhard Langer, the last person to try it in 2017, tied for 18th at the U.S. Senior Open in Peabody Country Club.
Miller Lite will have to wait until Stricker wins another game before they can celebrate.
“To win this would be a great honor. First of all, it’s a major tournament. Stricker stated that the course is right in our backyard, and I have a lot of history here. It would be an amazing, incredible place to win.
