Steve Stricker made five birdies during a 3-under 69 to run away from the pack and win the American Family Insurance Championship, securing his fourth title of the PGA Tour Champions season on Sunday in Madison, Wis.
The Wisconsin native lives in Madison and serves as the tournament host. With a tournament record 18-under 198, Stricker won a professional event in his home state for the first time.
“I wanted to win this one right here in our own backyard,” Stricker said. “We started this tournament, we get so much fan support, player support. Gotten in my own way over the years, but (Sunday) I was kind of determined to get it done.
“And you know what, it’s not about the golf, this week’s all about charity and giving back to our community,” he added. “We raise $2.5 million each time we put this thing on and it’s all because of our sponsors. … And the players feel very welcome here and they’re excited to come here and play, and fans show up and show their appreciation as well.”
Stricker stayed red-hot after winning two major titles last month at the Regions Tradition and the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.
Englishman Paul Broadhurst and New Zealand’s Steven Alker tied for a distant second, five shots back at 13 under.
Stricker and Broadhurst entered Sunday tied for the lead after they each opened with rounds of 65 and 64. Broadhurst had three bogeys on his front nine at University Ridge Golf Course on his way to a 2-over 74 leaving the door open for Stricker to cruise to victory.
Alker shot a 70 with four birdies and two bogeys Sunday.
“Yeah, I was just trying to chase Stricker down again,” Alker said. “It’s kind of like how it’s been all year at the moment.
“It just shows how classy he is, how good he is. I played with him the first two days and just no mistakes, he’s putting good and wedging it good and just being Steve Stricker. Yeah, we’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Colin Montgomerie (69 on Sunday) of Scotland tied for fourth at 11 under with Joe Durant (72) and Justin Leonard (74). Leonard had opened the week with a 10-under 62.
–Field Level Media