|
9-7-09
DEUTSCHE BANK CHAMPIONSHIP
The media is already talking.
This year, 2009, could be Steve Stricker’s year. Stricker, 42, of Madison, is in contention to be named the PGA Tour player of the year. The award holds a bit more weight than the one Stricker won in 2006 and ’07 – the comeback player of the year.
“It’s flattering to have won it twice, but I feel like I’m over that now, I really do,” Stricker said.
Stricker on Monday replaced Tiger Woods atop the FedExCup standings when he birdied the final two holes and won the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston. He finished at 17-under-par 267 (63-72-65-67) and earned $1.35 million. With the win, he moved to No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking, behind Woods, who tied for 11th (70-67-72-63–272).
“It was a lot of fun,” Stricker said. “You know, it was a tough day. I mean, there was a lot of guys in the mix. The course was still difficult, even though we had very little wind. And I just found a way to get it done.”
The win was Stricker’s third of the season and the seventh of his career. It also was his first PGA Tour win when Woods was in the field. Woods, however, is still the favorite to win player of the year. He’s won five times in 15 starts and, besides missing the cut at the British Open, hasn’t finished worse than 17th.
And as far as winning the FedExCup, which is in its third year, Stricker wouldn’t turn down the $10 million winner’s check, but he does have something else on his mind.
“At this time I’d rather win a major. I think that holds a little more value yet at this time. You know, I guess time will tell with this FedExCup. But it’s very gratifying and satisfying to know that I'm atop that list right now.”
Madison’s Jerry Kelly tied for 11th at 12-under 272 (66-69-67-70). He was waiting for Stricker at the 18th green.
“He was very supportive of me when I wasn’t playing well, and he’s always been playing well, and he’s never had those really dips in his career,” Stricker said. “I’ve always been there for him if he’s won a tournament. I was waiting for him at the 18th green at New Orleans, and he does the same when I happen to win a tournament.”
Pewaukee native Mark Wilson tied for 27th at 7-under 277 (70-69-66-72).
|
