If they haven’t already, someone from the Tradition’s tournament sponsor, Regions Bank, should talk with Steve Stricker about financing a new home at Greystone Golf and Country Club in Hoover, Alabama.
Because he already owns the course. Just look at his finishes in the last four Regions Traditions (all held at Greystone):
- 2018 – Second
- 2019 – Won
- 2021 – Finished second, after a one-hole playoff
- 2022 – Back to his winning form of 2019
Stricker simply blistered the course over four days, leading from the first round to the end of play on Sunday, also becoming the first player to win wire-to-wire since Regions became the sponsor of the Tradition.
Relying on strong play in every facet, Stricker’s putter, irons and driving were almost error-free.
He finished the tournament at 20-under, six shots better than his closest competition – Padraig Harrington.
He birdied the final par-5, 18th hole to close out a great finish to a story that many might not have seen coming, knowing what the Wisconsin native overcame to just be a part of the first PGA TOUR Champions major of the year. Just three months ago, Stricker, his family and friends were focused on a still-unclear illness that raised his heart rate dangerously, robbed him of energy, and left him some 25 pounds lighter.
But – for the most part – the difficulties of the beginning of 2022 for Stricker have faded, as his play in recent weeks has been phenomenal. Across 72 holes of the Regions Tradition, he made par or better 70 out of 72 holes.
“I really like this course!” Stricker said, becoming emotional in his acceptance. “I’m in a very good spot to be standing here. This trophy is pretty special. Thanks to my wife (who caddied at the Tradition). She was the rock, telling me I’d get back.”
The win capped another successful and competitive Regions Tradition. On the first day of golf, at the tournament’s pro-am, Regions and the PGA TOUR Champions announced a significant extension to the agreement to sponsor the tournament. The extension will keep professional golf in the Birmingham area and at Greystone through 2032 and keep the legacy of charitable support coming from the event.
Now in its 30th year, the Regions Tradition and its predecessor tournaments have raised a total of more than $20 million to support local charities – more than $1 million in 2021 alone. The funds support a number of nonprofits, with the highest levels of support going to the tournament’s primary beneficiary, Children’s of Alabama.
