Stricker strikes again as two late birdies seal deal

AMERICAN Steve Stricker birdied two of the last three holes to fire a four-under-par 69 in the final round to win the US PGA Hyundai Tournament of Champions by three strokes.

Stricker, who turns 45 next month, captured a $1.12 million top prize in the battle of last year’s winners, which was without 2011 Major champions Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and South African Charl Schwartzel.

Stricker finished on 23 under par (269) to defeat Scotland’s Martin Laird by three strokes, with Americans Jonathan Byrd and Webb Simpson sharing third on 273. South Korean KJ Choi and American Harrison Frazar shared fifth on 277.