Golf: Oldie but goodie Stricker eyes major breakthrough

Steve Stricker would become the oldest champion in US Open history and the second-oldest in major golf history if he can pull off his first major title on Sunday at the US Open.

The 46-year-old American fired a par 70 in Saturday’s third round at Merion to stand on level par 210, sharing second with Hunter Mahan and Charl Schwartzel but only one stroke behind four-time major winner Phil Mickelson.

“To win a major would be unbelievable,” Stricker said. “But I’m not trying to think about that yet. I’m just trying to execute the shots that I know how to do and take one shot at a time and go from there.

“It would mean a lot. It really would. But it’s going to be a challenge tomorrow.”

Stricker would surpass Hale Irwin, who won the 1990 US Open at age 45, as the oldest winner of the event and would trail only Julius Boros, who was 48 when he won the 1968 PGA Championship.

Stricker, who this year adopted a part-time schedule in order to spend more time with his family and focus his efforts for major tournaments, also would be two weeks older than Old Tom Morris when he won the 1867 British Open and about a month older than Jack Nicklaus when he won the 1986 Masters.

Age has taken some things from Stricker but left him with the skill and patience to grind out pars and make the most of the few chances Merion offers.

“I’m not the longest hitter in the field,” he said. “There are some holes out here that I have to really work hard to make pars on. It’s a long course for me.”

Stricker knows that younger rivals can take different approaches but his must be calculated and precise.

“I’ve got to play smart golf. I’ve got to not make any mistakes,” Stricker said. “That’s the biggest thing. And it’s a course where it’s tough to come back from. You’ve got to take advantage of some of those shorter holes and give yourself some opportunities.”

Stricker did that earlier this year, finishing second at the WGC event in Doral and making a solid start at the Masters before a last-day 75 dropped him to a share of 20th.

But his part-timer status has enabled Stricker to build confidence even after a month off the tour before coming to Merion.

“I really didn’t know what to expect,” Stricker said. “But I just figured that I’m in a good place mentally, I’m enjoying my time at home, so it all makes sense in my mind and I guess that’s the most important thing.”

“I’m pleasantly surprised and happy that I’m playing well and it shows that I can take this time off and still be competitive.”