Can Steve Stricker defend his title at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions?
The American Steve Stricker had a wonderful year. The world number 16 had a very consistent 2012 year with 18 cuts out of 19. Apart from that, he has had seven top-ten finishes, including a second place finish.
His highlight of the year was right at the start of the season, when he won the Hyundai Tournament of Champions.
It was a magnificent victory considering the fact that he had some injury problems. However, Steve carded a brilliant round on the final day to clinch his 12th PGA Tour title.
It was a brilliant start to the season for Stricker but he lost his way in the middle of it. Although he was making cuts, he just could not get that final breakthrough.
His performances in the majors were a little disappointing. His best finish this year in the majors was T7 in the PGA Championship.
Stricker played all four FedEx Cup playoff events although he could not get a promising result.
Probably for Steve, rather for the all the Americans, their loss to Europe in the Ryder Cup was very painful. He also lost his singles match to Martin Kaymer.
Stricker closed out his 2012 season with an eighth place finish at the World Golf Challenge. The American overall had a wonderful season but the later part of it was not very encouraging.
The US Ryder Cupper will start his 2013 season at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Steve won this title earlier this year and he will be hoping to defend it successfully this time around as well.
However, judging by his current form the chances of Steve winning the title are very slim. He has not had the best of the last few months. In fact since the PGA Championship, he has not been in contention for any tournament.
Going in to the 2013 season, Stricker will be hoping to turn things around. Golf is a funny old game, things change very quickly in this sport is.
Stricker won Hyundai Tournament of Champions with ease, as he won by three strokes but this time around the competition will be extremely tough and his personal form is not very impressive either.
Being the defending champion, Steve will go in to the tournament with some confidence. This will definitely play to his advantage.
For Steve a good start will be the key to his success at Hyundai Tournament of Champions. It is difficult to comeback from behind, especially when a player is out of form. So taking an early lead will also boost his confidence a bit as well.
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