PGA Tour fans will see considerably less of Steve Stricker in 2013.
According to a Golfweek report, Stricker will play only about 10 events per season. The 45-year-old veteran wants to spend more time with his family and work with a foundation he recently established.
“I’m not quitting,” Stricker told Golfweek from his home near Madison, Wis. “I want to spend more time here. I still enjoy playing, but I don’t enjoy the travel.”
Stricker, who has played 19 Tour events each of the past three years, said PGA Tour officials have told him his playing status will not be in jeopardy as he can use his one-time top-25 and top-50 career-money-list exemptions to keep his card.
Stricker also said his sponsors have expressed their support for his plan.
He likely will play only five events in the first four months of 2013: defending his title at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at Kapalua, Hawaii, Jan. 4-7, then playing the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship at Marana, Ariz., Feb. 20-24; the WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral, Fla., March 7-10; the Shell Houston Open March 28-31, then the Masters April 11-14.
Stricker’s new foundation, established with the aid of American Family Insurance, hasn’t established a formal mission yet. Nor does it have a name. Stricker said the working title is “Driven For A Dream.”
Stricker’s intent is to raise money for high school and college students.
“We’re still tossing around ideas,” he said.