After bagging the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, Steve Stricker sets sights on major event
Steve Stricker does not look complacent at all, as he kicked off his 2012 season by adding yet another win to his shining profile. Stricker looked more than thrilled when he beat all his rivals in the Hyundai Tournament of Champions last week.
Although plenty of challenges lie ahead for the 44-year-old American, the latest victory at Kapalua, Hawaii, signalled that Stricker has what it takes to stay ahead of the pack.
Now that Stricker has racked up his 12th Professional Golf Association (PGA) Tour victory, he can look forward to participating in various other prestigious events already slated for the season.
Pumped up by his latest performance, the only thing Stricker has on his mind is winning a major event in the current season.
There are many opportunities for the American to prove his mettle. For instance, the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island can serve as a good opportunity for Stricker to demonstrate his true potential.
Kiawah Island's golf course can help Stricker capitalise on par-4s facility. Moreover, there are other factors that can benefit the American. For instance, good wind sweeping across the course typically makes Kiawah Island one of the best spots.
US Open is the event that has always been one of Stricker's favourites. He has a good chance of winning the 2012 event.
In the 1998 US Open that was won by Lee Janzen, Stricker came off well, finishing just 6 strokes behind the winner.
However, some analysts point out that the age factor can be a cause of concern for Stricker.
Senior golf writer Bob Harig puts it this way: "With all due respect to Stricker, who is ranked fifth in the world and has nine wins since turning 40, guys his age (45 when the Masters begins) simply do not win their first major”.
“You have to go back to Roberto de Vicenzo (44 at 1967 British Open) and Jerry Barber (45 at 1961 PGA Championship) to find a first-time major winner as old as Stricker," he continued.
His dazzling performances in the past events highlight good prospects for the upcoming tournaments.
Analysing Stricker’s last win at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions will provide an insight on how well the 44-year-old American can fare against his rivals in the upcoming events.
The tournament was amazing right from the start, as Stricker kept his rivals at bay. The first round saw him fire a 5-under 68.
He carded 3 birdies on the front nine, with a double bogey on the par-3 8th hole. On the front nine, he unveiled his swing and putting skills, reeling off 5 much-needed birdies.
In the 2nd round, Stricker was even better, as he carded a 10-under 63. With 4 birdies on the front nine, he piled up a massive lead over his rivals.
He stunned the spectators yet again, as he launched an eagle on the par-5 15th hole. On the back nine, he recorded 4 birdies.
On the back of his impressive performance in the second round, Stricker came off impressively in the third round as well, gaining a big score to maintain his lead over his competitors.
Stricker held his nerve in the final round. Although he scored a bogey on the par-4 6th hole, two birdies on 8th and 9th holes helped him consolidate his position. On the back nine, he launched 3 birdies to finish the day with 4-under 69.
No matter how brilliantly he performed in the Tournament of Champions, it will not be easy for Stricker to outplay players like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods in the events to follow.
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