Stricker wins 4th senior major title

Steve Stricker completed at a wireto-wire victory Sunday in the Tradition, closing with a 4-under 68 for a six-stroke victory and his fourth PGA Tour Champions major title. Stricker’s second Tradition win at Greystone Golf & Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama, came in his third event since returning from a six-month absence for health reasons. Two straight birdies punctuatd the dominant performanc. “It’s been a long time,” the emotional Stricker said. “I hate crying, but where I was last November and even a couple of months ago — to come full-circle here, it means a lot.” He had his 20th consecutive round under par on the Founder’s Course, finishing at 21-under 267 for his eighth victory over the 50-and-over tour. Paidrag Harrington finished second, birdieing the final two holes for a 68. Stricker, 55, punctuated the win with a birdie from the bunker on the 17th hole that put him at 20 under for the first time. It ended a string of 11 straight pars. Stricker spent nearly two weeks in the hospital during his health scare and lost 25 pounds. His wife, Nicki, served as his caddie.