Stricker targets Augusta tee off
Steve Stricker is aiming to be on the first tee at the Masters following back surgery four months ago.
The American went under the knife on December 21 last year to repair a disc in his lower back that was aggravating his hip.
The 12-time PGA Tour winner played for the first time since his surgery at Calusa Pines in Naples, Florida, which boasted firm and fast greens.
“I was playing, walking, just to see what I had,” the 48-year-old told The Associated Press.
“It’s the first time I played since December, and it was good. It felt good. Just a little stiffness here and there. I walked the last three days just to play like I would be playing.
“I didn’t fix a ball mark in three days…not because I missed the greens. I just couldn’t find any ball marks.”
Stricker wanted to play at this weeks’ Shell Houston Open as a warm up for the Masters, but his doctors revealed that two straight weeks out on the course could hinder the recovery process.
“I think the biggest concern was putting in back-to-back weeks, with the second week being a little more fatigued,” added the 1998 PGA Championship runner-up.
“I still feel it’s a bit early to be pushing it a lot, so I want to take it cautiously.”
Latest
-
PGA ChampionshipMatt Fitzpatrick: Falling short at US PGA Championship ‘hurts a hell of a lot’
Fitzpatrick carded a closing three-over-par 73 to miss out on the play-off between eventual winner Justin Thomas and Will Zalatoris by two shots.
-
PGA ChampionshipJustin Thomas pays tribute to caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay after his US PGA victory
Phil Mickelson’s former bagman gave Thomas a crucial pep talk after he shot 74 on Saturday.
-
PGA ChampionshipTommy Fleetwood confident he is ‘coming out the other side’ after dip in form
Fleetwood finished in a tie for fifth at the US PGA Championship.
-
PGA ChampionshipEmotional Justin Thomas credits his experience for US PGA victory
Thomas also won the 2017 US PGA at Quail Hollow.
-
PGA ChampionshipJustin Thomas eclipses Will Zalatoris in play-off to claim second US PGA title
The former world number one’s victory equalled the biggest comeback in US PGA history.
-
PGA ChampionshipRory McIlroy’s Sunday charge at US PGA Championship ends in disappointment
McIlroy’s closing 68 in Tulsa was followed by him declining to speak to waiting reporters.
-
PGA ChampionshipPaul McGinley says Tiger Woods deserves better than to be a ‘ceremonial golfer’
The 46-year-old withdrew from a major championship for the first time in his professional career at Southern Hills.
-
PGA ChampionshipMito Pereira with three-shot lead at US PGA as Tiger Woods withdraws
It is the first time in his career that Woods has withdrawn from a major.
-
PGA ChampionshipMatt Fitzpatrick relishing chance at securing first major title
A third round of 67 means Fitzpatrick trails leader Mito Pereira by three shots at the US PGA Championship.
-
PGA ChampionshipTiger Woods withdraws from US PGA following his worst round at event
The American made the halfway cut with a shot to spare at Southern Hills, but struggled to a nine-over-par 79 in the third round.