Restraint urged as Americans get behind Stricker

Emotionally charged though sentiments might be given the genuine professionalism Steve Stricker extends, one must be careful to show restraint in light of how things unfolded in yesterday’s second round of the US PGA Championship.

Valhalla Golf Club may have been a quagmire thanks to pounding rainstorms, but Stricker’s performance was not so difficult to believe. He is, after all, a remarkable study, a 47-year-old who seems to play his best golf when he provides himself with larger spells of rest. Good for him and great work, if you can find it, but as the personable American signed his card for 3-under 68 and a 36-hole total of 5-under 137, you could almost hear the groundswell building: Forget being a vice-captain on the upcoming American Ryder Cup team, tell Stricker to bring his clubs and tee it up.

American golf romantics may love such a storyline. The lovable veteran steps away from the game for long periods so that he can embrace his family time and simple way of living in the country’s heartland. Though million-dollar prizes tempt world-class players every week, Stricker has been able to reject the full-time grind and perform admirably as a part-time player.