Steve Stricker hopes to regain top form before the coveted Masters this year
Top-ranked American player Steve Stricker is still under treatment for his Cortisone neck injury and revealed that the 44-year-old had another shot of Cortisone just before Christmas. He is hoping to regain full momentum at this week’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Hawaii.
Stricker was speaking ahead of the star-studded season-opener in Hawaii, which is all set to begin today, January 6, at the scenic yet difficult Plantation Course at Kapalua, Hawaii.
"You look at the way I felt a year ago compared to now," Stricker said, "I’m in much better shape. Just like everybody’s job, even if they take a short vacation or something, it’s hard to get away from work, and I think golf is a good example of that, too”.
Stricker, who will be turning 45 next month, has not won a major title in his blistering career and is hoping to pull in one before his health would deny him to proceed with the sport.
Stricker played brilliantly throughout the year, winning twice on the tour, including the stellar 3-peat at the John Deere classic at TPC Deere Run where he defended his title for the third consecutive year.
He missed several of the high profile title events later in the year and made a comeback at the President’s Cup in November at Royal Melbourne, paired along with old friend and compatriot, Tiger Woods.
He lost his opening Four-Ball sessions but managed to put up a decent fight in the later stages.
Stricker also revealed that he will be heading into a four-week extended rehab later in the year, before returning for the coveted Masters at Augusta National.
"We’re always thinking about ways of getting better and trying to improve, so there is no real time except when you can build in a four- or five-week period when where you can totally get away from it and switch it off," Stricker added.
Stricker underwent six physical therapy treatments in December, and has been contemplating physical-strength exercises in his four-week rehab to return to top form.
Stricker will take a break from mainstream golf after next week’s Sony Open in Hawaii. He feels that he has added extra yardage to his drives and “feels pretty good” with his current form.
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