PHOENIX — Steve Stricker has withdrawn from the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship after announcing that his dad was taken to the hospital.
“He is currently receiving care and it is important that I am here for my family during this challenging time,” Stricker wrote in the statement released through the PGA Tour Champions on Wednesday.
Originally on the pre-tournament news conference schedule, Stricker was then slated to arrive late Wednesday for his first-round tee time Thursday.
Stricker clinched the season-long championship two weeks ago. He didn’t play in the first two playoff events but was all set to play Phoenix Country Club this week in what would have essentially been a four-day victory lap. His six wins and 15 top-10s in 16 events in 2023 gave him such a commanding lead that he became the third golfer in the circuit’s history to clinch the Cup title before the finale.
Statement on Behalf of Steve Stricker
Unfortunately, I will be withdrawing from this week’s Charles Schwab Cup Championship. I was eagerly looking forward to competing in this event to cap off this season – which has been an incredibly special one for me – but a personal emergency has come up that requires me to stay home.
My father was admitted to the hospital on Monday afternoon. He is currently receiving care and it is important that I am here for my family during this challenging time.
I would like to express my gratitude for the tireless efforts of the PGA Tour Champions staff, tournament directors, Charles Schwab and all of the sponsors this season, who have provided us with the opportunity to participate in a season-long race that has been nothing short of exceptional. I am truly grateful for the support and encouragement I have received throughout the season.
Finally, I want to extend my best wishes to all the players playing in the season finale. I will be following the event from afar, cheering for my friends and fellow competitors.
I appreciate everyone’s understanding and support during this time.
Stricker is at $3,986,063 in on-course earnings this season. His withdrawal means no he’ll get no money this week, which will keep him from becoming the first to earn $4 million in a season on the Champions tour.
“It’s a shame,” said Steven Alker after his pro-am round Wednesday. Alker who won the Cup at year ago. “He’s the No. 1 man. He’s got it sewn up. I’m sure he would’ve liked to be here and play and we would have, too, just to see him finish it off in style. It’s sad news.”
Last year’s tournament champion, Padraig Harrington, said he’ll be missed this week.
“We’re all at that age in our lives, we’ve a lot going on, it’s part of life,” he said. “We feel for Steve. I’m sure he would have loved to have been here and take a bow for his great year. But there’s more important things than golf. Family comes ahead of it, and he’s definitely doing the right thing staying at home. We wish him and his family and his father all the best.”
Stricker’s withdrawal means the field is now 35 golfers. The 72-hole tournament concludes Sunday.
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