Steve Stricker Takes Lead into Final Round of Kaulig Companies Championship

Steve Stricker chipped in twice for birdie on the last five holes, finishing with a 3-under 67 to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Kaulig Companies Championship. Stricker, a seven-time major champion, aims to win the senior major for the third time in four years.

Steve Stricker chipped in twice for birdie on the last five holes and shot a 3-under 67 at Firestone to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Kaulig Companies Championship.

Stricker, who has been winless this season, is aiming to clinch the senior major championship for the third time in four years. His spectacular birdies on the par-4 14th and 18th holes propelled him to 9-under 201 on the challenging South course.

"I didn't play very well today, I scored well," said Stricker, the 57-year-old Wisconsin native who previously triumphed at Firestone in 2021 and 2023. Hall of Famer Ernie Els and Robert Karlsson are tied for second, with Els achieving an impressive eagle on the par-4 17th in a round of 64, while Karlsson scored 66.

Stricker, holding seven major titles and 17 victories overall on the 50-and-over tour, had three bogeys in the round. 'It's a tough golf course,' remarked Stricker. 'You get out of position, you have to rely on your short game a lot.'

Ernie Els mirrored Stricker's sentiments about the tough conditions, adding, 'The one tall guy went ballistic, so I knew it was really cool.' Jerry Kelly, Michael Wright, and K.J. Choi are tied for fourth, with Wright posting the low round of the day. Despite a setback, second-round leader Steven Alker will play a vital role in the final round.

The event, now called the Senior Players Championship, is the fourth of five majors on the PGA Tour Champions, with the victor securing a spot in The Players Championship next March.

(With inputs from agencies.)