Stricker proud of his Wisconsin grit to get into US Open

(AP) — Steve Stricker was missing a critical piece of equipment when he finished a practice round for the U.S. Open.

Stricker saw them on every hole during nine holes of practice.

Andy North won a pair of U.S. Opens during a career slowed by injuries.

Stricker has won 12 times on the PGA Tour, was a regular on Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams for seven straight years and is such a popular figure in golf that he was appointed Presidents Cup captain for this year.

The USGA declined his request for a special exemption.

In so many ways, it feels like the perfect ending to a PGA Tour career no matter how he fares.

Nicki was home in Wisconsin about to give birth to their first child, Bobbi Maria, who was born two weeks after his runner-up finish.

Stricker recalls seeing the lifeguard and blurting out, "Whoa, who's that girl?"

Nicki's brother, Mario Tiziani, played a full PGA Tour season a decade ago and competed in two U.S. Opens (in 2000 and 2002, both won by Tiger Woods).

Stricker, who reduced his playing schedule the last few years to spend more time at home, remains among the most popular figures in golf.