Steve Stricker US Masters GolfersSteve Stricker of the US watches his drive on the 18th hole at the Augusta National Golf Club 05 April 2001 during the opening round of the 2001 Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Stricker finished the round at 6 under-par. (JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images)

It was not that long ago that American, Steve Stricker, was knocking on the doors of the various golf tours in the States, begging entry as a wildcard. He turned pro in 1990 and had a good couple of seasons before disappearing completely from the radar at the turn of the century.

His most impressive win in the early days of his career came when he defeated Pierre Fulke 2 and 1 at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in 2001. He pocketed a $1 million prize.

Recently he ruminated on his mid-career dip, “I didn’t have the desire that I really wanted. I really wasn’t sure if this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Things were very much in the air for me.” Well, he has surged back in leaps and bounds and seems incredibly well grounded at present.

Steve Stricker, US Masters golfer, cruised back onto the tour with renewed urgency, picked up seven top-ten finishes and was consequently voted PGA Tour Comeback Player of the Year in 2006.

He entered the new year in the same form as 2006. He qualified for the Presidents Cup and had a majestic round of 64 seven under par at Carnoustie, joining the elite ranks of Colin Montgomerie and Alan Tait as holders of the course record. After winning the Barclays, he rocketed up the official world golf rankings and currently holds the number 5 berth (September 2007).

Steve Stricker’s best results at the Majors:

  • The Masters – Tied 10th in 2001
  • The US Open – 5th & tied 5th in 1998 & 1999
  • The Open Championship – Tied 8th in 2007
  • The PGA Championship – 2nd in 1998