Stricker's Sunshine State Streak Continues

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- As much success as Steve Stricker has had, until he wins a major championship, he'll always have a major hole in his resume. In total, Stricker is 0-for-50 when it comes to golf's biggest events and although a victory at the Players wouldn't have changed that, him coming up short at TPC Sawgrass extended another dubious streak that stretches even longer.

Oddly enough, the nine-time PGA Tour winner has never claimed a title in the 54 events he's played in Florida. Whether it's the prevalent Bermuda grass or the heat and humidity, Stricker is as cold as his native Wisconsin in winter when it comes to winning in the Sunshine State.

Stricker struggled on TPC Sawgrass' Bermuda greens... again.

"I don't know," said Stricker when asked for an explanation. "It's a little different than what I was used to growing up. The greens have always given me fits over the year, but, good question."

It looked like Stricker might end his drought and pick up arguably the biggest win of his career at the same time when he climbed to the top of the leader board late in the conclusion of the third round Sunday morning. But three bogeys in his last five holes, including an inexplicable pull into the water from the middle of the fairway on No. 18, killed his momentum.

According to PGATour.com, Stricker's best Florida finish was a solo fourth at Bay Hill, all the way back in 1994. Unless you count his team effort with partner Jerry Kelly at the 2009 Shark Shootout in Naples.

When told the stat, he said he's "never thought about it." With Stricker deciding to play a lighter schedule at 44 to spend more time at home, though, there's a good chance he'll think about it when choosing events to play in the future.

-- Alex Myers

Follow on Twitter: @AlexMyers3

(Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)