More than friends, the relationship makes male golfers wary
Despite Tiger Woods having numerous complex relationships that were once significant but turned hostile, there are still individuals with whom he maintains a positive rapport. One of these people is Steve Stricker.
Tiger Woods has a close friendship with Steve Stricker, who boasts 12 victories on the PGA Tour and placed as runner-up in the 1998 PGA Championship. Additionally, he serves as captain for Team USA during Ryder Cup competitions.
Despite his recent participation in the PGA Tour Champions, Stricker remains close to Tiger Woods despite no longer being affiliated with many teams.
Frequently, they share advice and tactics amongst themselves and exhibit curiosity about the happenings in each other’s everyday life.
Tiger Woods disclosed during a 2013 ESPN show that he and Steve Stricker engage in hours of collaborative practice on the putting green.
We addressed his poor putting skills by working on it together almost every day. It’s become a routine for us after so many years of doing things together.”
When it concerns the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup, Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods share a tight bond.
In 2016, they both served as Vice Captains at the Ryder Cup where the US team triumphantly defeated Europe. In subsequent events, Woods went on to serve under Stricker’s guidance again in the same position for both the 2017 Presidents Cup and also as part of his role as Tournament Captain during 2019.
The US team has consistently triumphed when two individuals have amicably backed one another, prompting the captain’s keen desire for Tiger Woods to attend the 2021 Ryder Cup – even if he is unable to participate in play.
Regularly, Steve Stricker converses with Tiger Woods regarding the Ryder Cup and also inquires about Super Tiger’s recuperation from his right leg injury sustained during a car accident in Los Angeles this past February.
According to Steve Stricker, Tiger and he converse frequently as Tiger is an integral member of the Ryder Cup community. He notes that Tiger’s level of commitment towards this event is remarkable.
Despite his strong efforts to recover and return to playing golf, Tiger cannot currently serve as Vice Captain for the team. He is fully focused on his recovery process, which is progressing remarkably well.
Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods proved to be a formidable duo for the US team in past Ryder Cups and Presidents. Their partnership was first established at the 2009 Presidents Cup, where they swept all four doubles matches together. This success carried over into the following year’s Ryder Cup, as they secured victory in two of their three doubles matches played.
Steve Stricker made his debut as the US team leader at the 2017 Presidents Cup and is now set to become the 29th captain of the US Ryder Cup team, which has existed since its inception in 1927.
