It seemed Stricker had peaked in 1996 when he won the Kemper Open and the Western Open. He finished that year as fourth on the money list.

Not hit those heights since, but this 40-year-old was named Comeback Player of the Year for 2006 and has continued with some impressive play this season. He was fifth at the Sony Open in Hawaii, fifth in the Honda Classic, ninth at the Houston Open and second to Tiger Woods at the Wachovia Championship, his best finish in the US since winning the 2001 World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play.

Matched that with runners up spot behind KJ Choi at the AT&T National. Shot impressive 68 on the Saturday at Oakmont. In the kind of form to be a shock contender at Carnoustie.