SAN FRANCISCO – Steve Stricker knows what it takes to win a U.S. Open at The Olympic Club.
He was paired with Lee Janzen in the final round in ’98 when Janzen won.
Stricker tied for fifth.
At 45, Stricker is seeking his first major championship title.
“I’m an underdog, for sure,” Stricker said. “That’s what I’m telling myself anyways, and I feel like the way I played the last few tournaments, I’m not carrying a ton of confidence in here, but I’ve been playing well in spurts. I played well the last couple of days here. I feel good coming here.”
Stricker knows a little luck can go a long way at the U.S. Open. He was there in ’98 when Janzen’s drive at the fifth hole disappeared into a tree but was almost mystically blown free just as Janzen was headed back to take a penalty and re-tee. Janzen scrambled, chipping in for an important par. That tree is gone now.