12 months after narrowly missing out at the Cologuard Classic in his Champions Tour debut, Steve Stricker finally sealed his maiden title
Emotional Steve Stricker Wins First PGA Tour Champions Title
A year after making his PGA Tour Champions debut, Steve Stricker finally got his maiden win on the over-50s circuit at the Cologuard Classic in Arizona.
The American found water on the 72nd hole last year to cost himself the title but made par this time around for a two stroke victory.
Stricker shot a closing four-under-par 69 to beat Jerry Kelly and Gene Sauers by two for his 24th title as a professional.
His closing 69 got him to 14-under-par.
Related: Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker named USA Ryder Cup Vice Captains
The 51-year-old's last victory came more than six years ago at the 2012 Tournament of Champions.
Watch Stricker's post-round interview:
An emotional Stricker said after, "It's been a long time. I cry every time, it means a lot. It's hard to win and it was building on me.
"I was fighting it.
Related: Phil Mickelson wins WGC-Mexico Championship
"I didn't make a bogey today, which I'm really proud of, and made some really good saves to do that.
"Just hung in there and finished it off. It's a relief to tell you the truth.
"It all worked out finally. It's been a challenge out here.
"I put a little extra pressure on myself to try to win. I've been close, let one get away her last year, so it's finally really a nice feeling to finally pull one out."
Related: Driving distance increase "unusual and concerning" - Distance Report 2017
Stricker has made just eight PGA Tour Champions appearances since turning 50 last February but has had some superb results so far.
He was 2nd in his debut here last year and was T2nd at the Chubb Classic two weeks ago and has a further three top-3 finishes.
In his eight starts, he is yet to finish outside of the top-13.
Don't forget to follow Golf Monthly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
-
-
Best Golf Brush
If you're not carrying one of these then you really are missing out and costing yourself shots
By Mark Townsend •
-
How To Play Speedgolf - Your Essential Guide
Ever fancied a round of Speedgolf but unsure of how it all works? Read our simple guide and see how you could be breaking golf's speed barrier
By Alex Narey •
-
Governing Bodies Crack Down On Distance As Driver Shaft Lengths Limited
The R&A and USGA have introduced a new local rule to ensure professionals and elite amateurs do not use 48-inch driver shafts
By Elliott Heath •
-
Five-Year-Old Prodigy Raising Money And Awareness For Organ Donation
George is taking on the challenge to raise money and awareness for organ donation
By Andrew Wright •
-
Robert MacIntyre Returns To Shinty After Ryder Cup Disappointment
The left-hander has been in action for his local shinty side, Oban Celtic
By Andrew Wright •
-
Pro Plays 36 Holes In Under 80 Minutes To Win British Speedgolf Championship
Buckinghamshire professional Luke Willett took the British Speedgolf title
By Fergus Bisset •
-
"A Real Kick In The Teeth" - Greenkeeper After "Embarrassment" Course Comments
We chat to James Tibbles, head greenkeeper at Andover GC, after he was subject to negative comments on the course's condition
By Elliott Heath •
-
Tiger Woods' 2002 Backup Putter Sells For $393,300
Tiger Woods' 2002 Backup Putter Sells For $393,300
By Matt Cradock •
-
Olivia Lee Wins 2021 Peter McEvoy Trophy
Olivia Lee has become the first female to win the historic Peter McEvoy Trophy.
By Dan Parker •
-
Helen Skelton Wins Slingsby's Golf Academy To Compete At Wentworth
The TV presenter won the Slingsby play-off, and will now compete at the BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-Am
By Ryan Dabbs •
