HOMETOWN HERO

Some of the loudest cheers at the U.S. Open were reserved for a guy who never really challenged the leaders.

Wisconsin golf fans love home-state favorite Steve Stricker.

He had a pretty good final round, too, shooting a 3-under 69 to finish at 5 under for the tournament. His best finish in 20 U.S. Open appearances came in the first Open to be held in Wisconsin.

There was one last ovation as he walked off the 18th green after putting for par.

“It was really cool. Yeah, I don’t get those very often,” Stricker said. “And to play well today on top of it was extra special.”