‘Strick’ly Business

They call it ‘Hogan’s Alley.’ But on the map of Fort Worth, TX it is simply seen as Colonial Country Club; a throwback course that takes extreme precision and accuracy and tremendous putting to be successful. Its narrow fairways, subtle breaking greens, and gritty setup almost personify the club’s nicknames namesake – Ben Hogan.

If someone told me that Steve Stricker would be the champion at Colonial, I would say…’Yeah that sounds about right!” Talk about a course that sets up perfect for a player. Not to steal from Juno MacGuff, but I will by saying Colonial seems like the macaroni to Stricker’s cheese. Over the past few years Stricker has been amongst the top of the tour in fairways hit and putting stats – two things that are a must at Hogan’s Alley. I would call him a very businesslike player; nothing flashy, but consistently efficient.

Stricker is one of the most interesting stories on the PGA Tour over the past decade and a half. As the first and only two-time comeback player of the year, it is pretty evident that he has had a roller coaster career. But in the past 3 years in his second resurgence he has climbed to as high as 5th in the World Rankings and has won twice along with a slew of top 10’s. He is currently 8th in the world and has continually functioned businesslike with his optimum consistency and flawless putting stroke.

Entering Sunday at Colonial two shots back of 3rd round leader, the ever-accurate Tim Clark, Stricker fired a 2 under 68 to force a playoff with Clark and long-hitting Steve Marino. And when it mattered the more experienced Stricker prevailed in two playoff holes. Per usual the always emotional Stricker welled-up a little when discussing his victory with CBS’s on course reporter David Feherty. And who could blame him after all he’s been thru in his career.

I would not have thought his 2010 Masters status was up in the air, but it’s always safe to, in the words of John and Jeremy Ryan, ‘lock it up,’ and Strick did it in businesslike fashion. Fairways, greens and putting; these are the cornerstones of Stricker’s game and are increasingly important ingredients for success at Augusta National. I would never call Stricker a favorite to win a major, but the one thing I know is that he will make it his ‘business’ to contend, and his recent track record has been proof of that. See ya in April Steve-O.