Steve Stricker Triumphs in Dramatic Fashion at Sanford International
Steve Stricker Triumphs in Dramatic Fashion at Sanford International
**SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) —** In a riveting conclusion to the Sanford International, Steve Stricker demonstrated remarkable skill and composure, clinching his first PGA Tour Champions title of the year in a dramatic four-hole playoff. The victory, which marks Stricker’s third consecutive win at the Sanford International, is particularly poignant as it comes in the wake of a personal loss and a lengthy winless stretch this season.
Stricker entered the final round with a comfortable two-shot lead, but his journey to victory was far from straightforward. A tense day at Minnehaha Country Club saw Stricker navigating through a series of challenging conditions and fierce competition. His round of 3-under 67 was marred by a critical three-putt bogey on the 18th hole, which allowed Richard Green to force a playoff with a clutch 12-foot birdie putt on the final hole, finishing the day with a 69.
The playoff itself was a test of endurance and precision. Both players made par on the par-3 10th hole before returning to the 18th, where Stricker had to rely on his exceptional skills to secure the win. Stricker’s drive on the 18th was pulled into the deep rough, but he managed to extricate himself with a remarkable shot. Using a wedge, Stricker’s ball landed at the front of the green and then raced up a steep slope, striking the pin and settling just 2 feet away from the hole. Green had an opportunity to take the lead but missed an 8-foot birdie putt. Stricker capitalized on the chance and tapped in for victory.
This triumph is especially significant for Stricker, who had not won since the passing of his father in January. Stricker, who had a prolific 2023 season with six victories on the PGA Tour Champions, acknowledged the emotional weight of this win. “I was trying to win one so bad,” Stricker admitted. “I owe him everything. We miss him a lot. He was the guy who showed me the game, how to act on the course, and how to be a professional. I was putting some extra pressure on myself to win one and dedicate it to him.”
Stricker’s success at the Sanford International underscores his dominance at this event. With this victory, he becomes the first player to win a tournament three times consecutively on both the PGA Tour Champions and the PGA Tour, matching his previous achievement at the John Deere Classic from 2009 to 2011.
The final round was marked by a display of resilience and nerve from Stricker. Despite a three-putt bogey on the 18th hole, which had reduced his lead, Stricker exhibited impressive composure. His crucial birdie on the par-4 15th, combined with Green’s three-putt bogey on the 14th, initially looked like it might seal the deal for Stricker. However, missed birdie opportunities on the 16th and a shortcoming on the 17th kept the outcome uncertain until the playoff.
Stricker’s performance in the playoff holes was a testament to his skill under pressure. On the first playoff hole, he executed a delicate hook shot around a tree to save par. On the second playoff hole, he navigated a challenging 75-foot putt, two-putting from the distance to maintain his position. The decisive moment came when he delivered an extraordinary shot on the 18th, hitting the pin and securing the win.
Reflecting on the victory, Stricker summed up the challenge succinctly: “They’re all hard.” His win at the Sanford International is a testament to his enduring talent and resilience, offering a fitting tribute to both his own perseverance and the memory of his father.
