Stricker gaining momentum in Ryder Cup run

As concerned as fan favorite Steve Stricker was about going for an historic four-peat at last weekend’s John Deere Classic in Silvis, Ill., there was no denying that something else weighing on his mind as well.

That would be continuing to rack up points and trying to steadily move up in the Ryder Cup points standings, because the absolute last thing the University of Illinois grad wants to do is to miss out on things when the Ryder Cup heads to Medinah Country Club in September.

“Yeah, I’ve got some work to do,” said Stricker, who finished tied for fifth in the John Deere. “I think I moved up a spot last week and I’m No. 13 now (in points). I keep an eye on that.”

That was before Stricker’s top-5 finish boosted him to No. 11 heading into this week’s British Open. The top eight players in points automatically qualify for the U.S. team, with the final four will be selected by Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III.

“I really want to be a part of that team, right here in Chicago,” Stricker said. “It’s going to be a great event — there’s a lot of excitement and anticipation for that event.

“So yeah, I’m keeping a close eye on it and trying to play (a lot). That’s why I added an event before this one, to try to not only start preparing, getting mu game ready, but to get some more points for the Ryder Cup as we get closer to the end of the year.”

He’s not the only one itching to get back playing for the red, white and blue. So is Zach Johnson, whose victory Sunday vaulted him from eighth to fifth in points.

“It’s a goal from the beginning of the season because I’ve played in two of them and they’re tremendous,” Johnson said. “In golf, arguably in sport, (Ryder Cups) are some of the most fun and gut-wrenching tournaments you can play in. I love that.”

Plus ...

“Knowing that Davis Love is our captain makes it a huge priority,” Johnson said.

For Stricker, there’s also a little unfinished business to attend to.

“I was on the team over in Wales (in 2010) when we got edged out,” he said. “So it would be nice to be a part of that again and win it back.”