Stricker is What is Good in Golf

Having one less day to recover from a win can be a bad thing. Well, unless you’re Steve Stricker.

Coming off a win at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, Stricker was set to head over to Honolulu after the tourney’s Monday finish. It hasn’t deterred him thus far as he currently sits at 6-under-par through 26 holes as of this writing. But Stricker won’t use that one less day of rest as an excuse should he not pull off the Hawaiian double. In fact, he rarely uses one.

Take when it came to the Presidents Cup. Stricker was mending from a neck injury that had produced weakness in his left arm. This was all caused by a herniated disc. Taking time away from the game and resting paid dividends as Stricker arrived at Royal Melbourne rearing to go. The native of Edgerton, Wisconsin left Australia with a 2-2-0 record as the United States once again won the Cup.

What Stricker might be more known for during the Presidents Cup is his slightest of putting tips he gave to Tiger Woods. The Woods/Stricker duo was simply sensational during the 2009 Presidents Cup, so Stricker played the “teammate” and offered Woods a suggestion. From Waggle Room…

“I was listening to some dude behind me here giving a little putting tip about releasing the blade a little bit,” said Woods, who confirmed he was referring to “Stricks.”

Good to hear the former #1 give props to “Stricks”. This is just one example of Stricker merely attending to business. Of course, whenever Stricker offers advice in regards to putting, everyone should listen.

Is 2012 the year Stricker adds a major? (Image: Keith Allison via Flickr)

I’ve always felt Stricker still doesn’t get his proper due. I may be in the minority on this. We hear banter about how he’s always a favorite to win a tournament on any given week. Sometimes, that seems as far as it goes. Over the past three years (2009-2011), Stricker has managed to win tow tournaments in each of those years. That’s playing some good golf, isn’t it?

All you have to do is observe one round and you’ll become a fan of his. No extreme in emotions. A solid demeanor. Even though his name belongs in the conversation of “among the best in the world”, talk reverts to the likes of Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood. Even after the “layoff”, you hear whispers of Tiger.

Maybe it’s because Stricker has yet to win a major. Maybe it’s because Stricker does “exude” the charisma some folks are used to seeing from those like Rory and Tiger. Maybe it’s because despite his high ranking (currently 5th), he floats under the radar due to his quiet nature.

Maybe it’s because he prefers it that way. And if he does, golf is still better for it.

Tags: golf, PGA, Steve Stricker