ORLANDO — Steve Stricker had no idea he would be able to compete in the PNC Championship, held at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club. He never won the Players Championship or any of the major championships, and that is required to be invited to this prestigious two-person competition.
We never imagined, or at least, I did not, that we would have the chance to play in this venue. Stricker explained that it was a great surprise and blessing to be here.
The story of how it all happened is fascinating in and of itself. The saying goes that rules are made to be broken. Alastair J. Johnston, the founder of the tournament, said that there are precedents such as when he allowed Paul Azinger to join Aaron Stewart after Payne Stewart died in a plane accident or Bubba Watson playing with his father-in law. Johnston has decided that senior majors can enter the field this year.
“I did it. I’m not going to deny it.” Johnston stated that, as he told two players, who shall remain anonymous, “I’m in control so eat it!” He also noted that he was not allowed to invite past participants such as Watson or LIV CEO Greg Norman.
Stricker stated that it had been a multi-year process. He recalled PGA Tour Champions Rules Official Joe Terry asking him if he was interested in taking part.
“Joe T. said that they might be trying to change the rules and get us in – I don’t know the rules or who gets invited. Stricker explained that the mystery was a bit of a puzzle to him. Joe T. asked me if we’d play a few years ago. I was like “Well, yes, we will play if the opportunity arises.”
Stricker thought he had been passed over when he didn’t hear any news, but a few months ago, an invitation was sent by Johnston directly to Stricker’s agent/brother in law Mario Tiziani.
Stricker stated that “he immediately called me, because he knew I would be excited.”
Izzi Stricker reacts to her father Steve Stricker’s putt at the 5th hole of the PNC Championship, which will be held on December 14th, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images).
In the invitation, it was specified that he must play with Izzi and not Bobbi (his older daughter who is pursuing professional career) in the 36-hole scramble two-person competition which starts on Saturday. (Relatives cannot have professional status.) Izzi is a 17-year-old senior in highschool and a star in her own right. She has committed to attend the University of Wisconsin in 2024-25 and play for the women’s golf team. Izzi, 17, was the Wisconsin Girls State Champion in her division for the past two seasons and was named 2023 Wisconsin Co Player of the Year by Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin. Nikki Stricker played golf at Wisconsin and played her first USGA Championship in 31 years earlier this summer. The girls still haven’t beat dear old dad, who won the Charles Schwab Cup on the Champions Tour this season.
Steve said, “I grind when it gets close.” Steve said, “I start talking and get in their ear to try to throw them off.”
Sisterly love
Izzi and Bobbi, @stevestricker’s daughters talk about family roles this week @PNCchampionship. pic.twitter.com/Bmtjb556Cg
PGA TOUR Champions 12 December 2023
Bobbi will be the bag girl for dad, and Nikki will be Izzi’s caddie.
“We have never played golf in a competition. Izzi added that it would be fun to work with him to analyze and come up with game plans.
