[PHOTO: Sam Greenwood]
Because of a serious family matter, Steve Stricker will not have a chance this week to cap off his tremendous campaign on PGA Tour Champions. The 55-year-old issued a statement on Wednesday that he was withdrawing from the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship, which begins in Phoenix tonight (Australian time) to be with his father, Bob, who was admitted into a hospital on Monday.
“I was eagerly looking forward to this competing in this event and capping off this season, which has been an incredibly special one for me, but a personal emergency has come up that requires me to stay home,” Stricker said. “My father was admitted to the hospital on Monday afternoon. He is currently receiving care and it is important that I am here for my family during this challenging time.”
With six victories, including three senior major titles, and five runner-up finishes in 16 starts this season on the Champions tour, Stricker has enjoyed one of the most dominating runs in the circuit’s history. He is so far ahead in the Charles Schwab Cup standings that he is guaranteed to capture his first season-long title as a senior player.
As noted by PGA Tour Champions staff, Stricker had a streak of 55 consecutive rounds at par or better, supplanting Tiger Woods’ long-standing record on any tour-sanctioned circuit. Across 16 events, Stricker lost to only 41 players.
Steve Stricker had his own health problems in late 2021 and was hospitalised for weeks with a mysterious illness that included an irregular heartbeat. He said he lost more than 10 kilograms during that time. Since coming back from the illness, Stricker has won 10 times among the seniors.
