Stricker Wins First Tournament of 2012

Congratulations to Steve Stricker for winning the first event of the 2012 PGA Tour campaign.

It wasn’t easy, though. He went into the day with a five shot lead, then quickly gave most of it away over six holes. He recovered with back-to-back birdies at the turn and maintained a three shot lead through the end. (It was nice to be able to watch the match unfold over the early evening hours on television).

It was his ninth win since turning 40 (he’s 44).

In a sense, I think that Stricker has to be an inspiration to his friend Tiger Woods. If Steve can still win at 40, then surely Tiger thinks he can at age 36. Unfortunately, however, Stricker isn’t winning Majors. The closest he’s gotten in the last ten years was a T6 at the 2009 Masters. (The best in his career was a 2nd at the 1998 PGA.

I’m glad Steve continues to win. I’ve been a fan of his for a long time, for he comes across to me as a genuinely nice guy. As you can see, I actually own one of his signature line of shirts that I bought at Kohl’s more than a decade ago.

Last year, I predicted that he would win his Major. I don’t think that’s in the cards anymore. But I’ll continue to hope.