Steve Stricker has ended a 21-year absence from the Scottish Open to play at Castle Stuart this week.
The clock is ticking on the 49-year-old’s career and he makes no apologies for trying to make the most of his final year on the PGA Tour before he earns membership to the Champions Tour in the US.
Stricker reached as high as number two in the world before cutting back on his schedule three years ago to spend more time with his wife and two daughters.
He played only two majors last year as his world ranking dropped below 200 because of a limited schedule and his recovery from a December 2014 hip surgery.
Old habits die hard, though, and Stricker will play at Castle Stuart this week for two reasons.
First, it’s a chance to play a new course and second, it’s ideal practice for the Open cham-pionship at Troon next week.
A joint second finish in the St Jude Classic on June 15 earned him a place in the field at the oldest major in golf.
Stricker hopes to be playing at Troon in the final round next Sunday on what will be he and his wife Nicki’s wedding anniversary.
He will do so with his wife’s blessing even though she has decided to stay behind in America.
Stricker said: “I don’t have too many of these majors left.
“I had a good finish a couple of weeks ago that got me into the Open championship, so I decided to take advantage of that and come over.
“They were nice enough here at the Scottish Open to give me a spot in the field.
“It’s allowed me to come over a week early to prepare and get ready, and hopefully play well here too, as this is an important week.
“This week is ideal preparation. The last time I played Troon was back in 1997, it has been a while but just getting over here and getting acclimatised to the weather and the time change is important for me.”
The American plans a dual role of player and keen observer as he embarks on a scouting mission.
The 49-year-old is one of Davis Love’s vice-captains for the Ryder Cup and a visit to the Highlands will also enable him to cast his eye over his countrymen and potential European team members for the match in Hazeltine, Minnesota in September.
He said: “It is an important year for the Americans and the US team as well.
“Hopefully they can play well and take the Ryder Cup back home.”
Stricker’s last Scottish Open appearance came in 1995 when he finished tied in 19th place at Carnoustie, but after two days of practice at Castle Stuart he is already enjoying a new links test at a new venue.
He said: “The course is great. I played nine holes on Sunday when I got in.
“I’ve never been this far north in Scotland, but it’s such a beautiful spot.
“The course is in great shape, it is fun to play so I’m excited about the event this week and being here.
“I can’t believe it’s only seven years old, it looks like it has been here a long time.
“I enjoy links golf, it is a challenge for us coming over and it’s a different style of golf but it’s a fun challenge.”