Steve Stricker grabbed a one-stroke lead over Ernie Els after the first round of the Regions Tradition in Alabama on Friday, carding a 5-under-par 67 to set the pace at the second major of the PGA Tour Champions season.
– Stricker Extends Lead over Els at Regions Tradition
| ROUND 3 TEE TIMES/SCORING | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1:15 p.m. ET | Bernhard Langer, Vijay Singh, Darren Clarke | |
| 1:26 p.m. ET | Retief Goosen, Jerry Kelly, Shane Bertsch | |
| 1:37 p.m. ET | Alex Cejka, David Toms, Paul Goydos | |
| 1:48 p.m. ET | Bernhard Langer, Vijay Singh, Darren Clarke | |
| 1:59 p.m. ET* | Steve Stricker, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk | |
| 2:10 p.m. ET | Miguel Angel Jimenez, K.J. Choi, Doug Barron |
– Els Falters as Stricker Seizes Control
Els Falters as Stricker Seizes Control
Stricker’s hot start placed early pressure on Els, who struggled to find his rhythm early on. The South African dropped a shot on the par-4 2nd hole and failed to birdie any of the first five holes. Els managed to steady the ship somewhat with a birdie on the par-5 6th hole, but he gave the shot straight back with a bogey on the difficult par-3 7th.
Els’ woes continued on the back nine as he dropped another shot on the par-4 11th hole. Stricker, meanwhile, continued to play flawlessly and picked up further birdies on the par-5 13th and par-4 15th holes. By the time they reached the 16th tee, Stricker had opened up a commanding 3-stroke lead.
Els desperately needed to make a move on the par-5 16th hole, but he could only manage a par. Stricker then effectively sealed the victory with a brilliant birdie on the par-4 17th hole. Els birdied the last to reduce the deficit to just 2 strokes, but it was too little too late as Stricker closed out a deserved victory.
The win is Stricker’s second major championship title and his first since winning the 2012 Open Championship. It is also his first victory on the PGA Tour Champions since the 2015 Dick’s Sporting Goods Open.
Els’ Struggles
Els’ performance over the weekend was uncharacteristic of the South African, who is one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour Champions. He hit just 35% of fairways and 64% of greens in regulation, well below his usual standards. Els also struggled with his putting, taking 30 putts over the final two rounds.
Stricker’s Dominance
Stricker, on the other hand, was in imperious form throughout the weekend. He hit 43% of fairways and 73% of greens in regulation, giving himself numerous birdie opportunities. Stricker also putted well, taking just 27 putts over the final two rounds.
Key Moments
- Stricker’s birdie on the par-5 13th hole gave him a 2-stroke lead.
- Els’ bogey on the par-4 11th hole extended Stricker’s lead to 3 strokes.
- Stricker’s birdie on the par-4 17th hole effectively sealed the victory.
Looking Ahead
The Regions Tradition is the first major championship of the PGA Tour Champions season. The next major is the Senior PGA Championship, which will be played at Harbor Shores Golf Club in Benton Harbor, Michigan, from May 26-29.
– Senior Champions Tour Dominated by Seasoned Veterans
Seasoned Veterans Reign Supreme
The Senior Champions Tour has become a haven for seasoned veterans, and the Regions Tradition is no exception. Two past major champions, Steve Stricker and Ernie Els, are locked in a tight battle at the top of the leaderboard. Stricker, a two-time Senior Open champion, holds a slim one-stroke lead over Els, a four-time major winner.
Both players have shown incredible consistency throughout the tournament, with Stricker shooting rounds of 66-68-69 and Els firing rounds of 66-70-68. They are separated by just a solitary stroke heading into the final round, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
Stricker, known for his pinpoint accuracy and putting prowess, will be looking to draw on his experience to close out the victory. Els, on the other hand, will hope to use his length and power to his advantage.
The remainder of the field is trailing the leaders by a significant margin. Retief Goosen, a two-time U.S. Open champion, is in third place, but he is seven strokes behind Els. Bernhard Langer, the eight-time Senior Majors winner, is tied for fourth place, eight strokes off the pace.
Leaderboard
- Steve Stricker: -11
- Ernie Els: -10
- Retief Goosen: -4
- Bernhard Langer: -3
- Woody Austin: -2
- Tom Watson: -2
- Fred Couples: -1
- Colin Montgomerie: -1
- Billy Mayfair: E
- Miguel Angel Jimenez: E
Stricker, the only player to win all five senior majors, is seeking his third Regions Tradition title. Els, a four-time major champion, is looking for his second victory in the event. Both players are within striking distance of the lead and will be among the favorites to win on Sunday.
