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Stricker an anomaly as TOUR's youth movement continues [Golf Ping]
PGA.COM ^ | January 4, 2013 | Ann Miller for PGATOUR.COM

Posted on 01/04/2013 9:48:30 AM PST by Zuben Elgenubi

January 04, 2013


By Ann Miller for PGATOUR.COM

KAPALUA, Hawaii — Golfers in their 20s won nearly half of last year’s PGA TOUR events, but the defending champion in this week’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions is 45-year-old Steve Stricker.

He is the only player in his 40s here and has one of the best track records at Kapalua Plantation, with top-10 finishes three of the last four years.

Not bad for an old guy, at least by comparison. Of the 37 winners last year, 15 were in their 20s. Stricker turned pro about the time 2012 Rookie of the Year John Huh was born.

Bubba Watson will defend his Masters title this year against, among 100 or so others, 14-year-old Guan Tianlang of China, who won the 2012 Asia-Pacific Championship.

Watson blames it on Tiger Woods.

“Tiger had brought so much to the game across the world, not just in the U.S., just amazing things … ,” Watson said. “People are seeing the talent level at a younger age. Every sport now is getting younger. LeBron James at high school could have played in the NBA.”

Along with the “it” factor, Watson is one of many who believe Woods brought a new sense of athleticism and fitness to the game. People practice better and eat better, and do it earlier.

They are also introduced to much more at a much younger age. South Korean Si Woo Kim earned his card at Q-School, but cannot even become a PGA TOUR member until June 28, when he turns 18. Rory McIlroy, 23, won five times — and more than $11 million — all over the world last year.

“McIlroy now is going to the other side of the world,” Watson said, “showing them that you can do it younger, better, faster and do all these things and get in good shape.

“I think that’s what Tiger has brought to the game. He’s brought the atmosphere of becoming an athlete and not just a golfer. … We are competing at a higher level and I think that’s what makes it tougher for Tiger to win. The talent level is getting better and better.”

Stricker has proven it can also last longer and longer. Eight of his 12 wins have come in the last four years.


TOPICS: Sports
KEYWORDS: golf; hawaii
Steve Stricker celebrated his 12th TOUR victory last year in Hawaii.


1 posted on 01/04/2013 9:48:35 AM PST by Zuben Elgenubi
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To: freedom1st; frithguild; ColdOne; word_warrior_bob; 21stCenturion; Ted; Dinah Lord; Textide; ...
2013 Season Begins in Hawaii

There are only 34 Rules Of Golf.

Email me if you want on the Golf Ping List:

Visit PGA.com, an excellent site.

2 posted on 01/04/2013 9:50:10 AM PST by Zuben Elgenubi
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To: Zuben Elgenubi

Is it my imagination or do pro golfers only produce female offspring?


3 posted on 01/04/2013 10:03:34 AM PST by GSWarrior (Click HERE to read entire tagline.)
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To: GSWarrior
Not really. If you look at the recent Masters winners (back to 2000) as a control group, Bubba Watson (2012) has one adopted son. Charl Schwartzel (2011) is married with no children. Phil Mickelson (2010, 2006, 2004) has three daughters. Ángel Cabrera (2009) has two sons. Trevor Immelman (2008) has one son. Zack Johnson (2007) has two sons and one daughter. Tiger Woods (2005, 2002, 2001, 1997) has one son and one daughter. Mike Weir (2003) has two daughters. Vijay Singh (2000) has one son.

I don't remember children a large part of the post-game celebration before Michelson made it popular in the mid-2000s. Not a judgement, but a trend happened right about that time.

4 posted on 01/04/2013 1:29:27 PM PST by Zuben Elgenubi
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To: Zuben Elgenubi

I enjoy all the young talent. Hope it means close, competitive matches for years to come. Really, I was getting tired of Tiger winning everything.


5 posted on 01/04/2013 2:25:52 PM PST by Veto! (Opinions freely dispensed as advice)
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To: Veto!
I'm liking this Jason Dufner who one twice last season and was runner up to Kegan Bradley at the PGA. He's in his mid-30s but probably is the most improved golfer on the tour, year on year.

Are you watching any of the Golf Channel's coverage from Hawaii? LOL the weather is the most changeable I've ever seen.

6 posted on 01/05/2013 10:11:02 AM PST by Zuben Elgenubi
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To: Zuben Elgenubi

Oooops, typo. Dufner “won” twice.


7 posted on 01/05/2013 10:12:19 AM PST by Zuben Elgenubi
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