Steve Stricker (-14) Wins First PGA TOUR Champions Tour Title at Omni Tucson National

Steve Stricker walked away with the “Champions Helmet” after winning the 2018 Cologuard Classic at the Omni Tucson National’s Catalina Course, in Tucson, March 2-4, 2018. Like the tournament’s past victors – Tom Lehman (2017), Woody Austin (2016), and Marco Dawson (2015) – Stricker posed with the distinctive helmet trophy, modeled after a 16^th century Spanish soldier’s helmet and inspired by the logo for the Tucson Conquistadores, the organization that operates the tournament and has promoted pro sports in Tucson since 1962. Stricker, a 51-year-old resident of Madison, Wisconsin, finished at 14-under 205 after opening with rounds of 66 and 70. This is his first PGA Tour Champions title and he won it one year after finishing second in Tucson in his PGA TOUR Champions debut.

The galaxy of golfing greats that teed off at the 2018 Cologuard Classic include defending champion Tom Lehman as well as Steve Stricker, Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal, Vijay Singh, and John Daly. A few highlights from the incredible weekend at Tucson National:

• Stricker earned $255,000 for the victory and moved to No. 2 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings.
• Stricker’s two-stroke victory ties the largest in tournament history (Marco Dawson, 2015).
• Since turning 50 on February 23, 2017, all 22 of his rounds on Tour have been under par.
• Prior to today, Stricker’s last official win came at the PGA TOUR’s 2012 Sentry Tournament of Champions (6 years, 1 month and 23 days). Since then, the 12-time PGA TOUR winner has made 87 official starts on the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions.
• Stricker is the third player to post their first PGA TOUR Champions victory at the Cologuard Classic, joining Woody Austin (2016) and Marco Dawson (2015). Both players went on to become multiple time winners during their respective winning season.
• The Omni Tucson National’s par-4 18th hole averaged the hardest in tournament history and has been the most difficult thus far on PGA TOUR Champions in 2018 with a scoring average of 4.452 (+0.452). Since the tournament began in 2015, the 469-yard, par-4 18th hole has been one of the three toughest closing holes on PGA TOUR Champions. In 2017, it was the third-toughest finishing hole on Tour, playing to a 4.338 scoring average.

[easyazon_infoblock align=”right” identifier=”B06XCM9LJ4″ locale=”US” tag=”coloradoavidg-20″]The Omni Tucson National, located on Tucson’s northwest side in the Oro Valley area, is one of more than 40 courses in Tucson and southern Arizona. Before making your Tucson golf trip, check out our accommodations, restaurants, and attractions to plan a stay that fits your style and interests. See why golfers have played Tucson for decades with information on VisitTucson.org/golf.

The PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of golfers age 50 and older, with the most recognizable and accomplished players in the game – including 34 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame, whom compete regularly in its events. These champions always put on a great show, interact with fans, and create an engaging atmosphere.

https://www.visittucson.org/events/cologuardclassic