Steve Stricker secured his first victory of the year at the Sanford International, marking his third consecutive win at the event. On Sunday, Stricker edged out Australian Richard Green in a dramatic fourth playoff hole to claim the title in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This victory makes Stricker the first golfer to achieve a three-peat both on the PGA Tour and the PGA Tour Champions, having previously won the John Deere Classic in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
Stricker, who has had a notable career with a strong track record at the Minnehaha Country Club, now boasts four wins at the Sanford International over seven seasons. His first win there came in 2018 during his debut year on the senior tour. Despite a strong performance throughout 2023, Stricker had not won in 2024 until this weekend's triumph, marking his first win since the passing of his father earlier in the year.
In his final round, Stricker shot a 3-under-par 67 to finish the tournament with an 8-under 202. Although he bogeyed his final hole, which allowed Green to force a playoff, Stricker demonstrated his resilience. Green birdied the 18th hole to tie the score, but Stricker ultimately prevailed in the playoff, hitting his second shot close to the hole on the final attempt.
The tournament concluded with Germany's Bernhard Langer and South Africa's Ernie Els tied for third place at 7 under, following rounds of 67. New Zealand’s Steven Alker and Australia’s Michael Wright finished tied for fifth at 6 under, after rounds of 67 and 72, respectively.
ADD A COMMENT :