Colonial surge helps Stricker reach his dream

bWhat began with a spark during a memorable final round in Fort Worth morphed into a full-fledged birdie barrage that triggered the realization of a dream for Steve Stricker, the 2009 Colonial champ, during Monday’s sectional qualifier for the 2017 U.S. Open.

Stricker, 50, won the 36-hole qualifier in Memphis, Tenn. with rounds of 67-65 to secure a berth to compete June 15-18 in the field at Erin Hills Golf Course in Hartford, Wis. The event marks the first U.S. Open contested in Wisconsin and Stricker, a resident of Madison, Wis., did not want to miss the opportunity to be part of the historic event in his home state.

Stricker had been turned down by the U.S. Golf Association for a special exemption into the field and had to earn his spot the old-fashioned way: through the qualifying process. After winning medalist honors at Monday’s qualifier by one stroke, Stricker told reporters in Memphis that the achievement held added significance to him.

“It means a lot. Not getting an exemption was a motivational factor,” said Stricker, who posted a final-round 63 at the Dean & DeLuca Invitational in Fort Worth on May 28 before heading to the qualifier. “Not that I deserved one, but it’s been driving me to achieve this goal. I’m just happy that I’m going to get to play. It’s a relief to get to play in the first one in my home state.”

Stricker said he has played Erin Hills about six times in practice rounds and looks forward to tackling the layout in competitive rounds in front of a supportive home crowd. After posting his closing 63 at Colonial, which boosted him into a tie for seventh on the final leader board with a $215,050 payday, Stricker acknowledged his decision to compete against PGA Tour competitors in Fort Worth rather than the Senior PGA Championship on the Champions Tour (50-and-over circuit) during the same weekend was based on efforts to sharpen his game for the U.S. Open qualifying process.

“I knew if I wanted to play in the Open that I needed more starts out here,” Stricker said in Fort Worth. “I’m trying to get in that U.S. Open. That’s what’s motivating me right now.”

For Stricker, a berth in the U.S. Open field now qualifies as a mission accomplished.

This story was originally published June 6, 2017 at 9:26 AM with the headline "Colonial surge helps Stricker reach his dream."