Steve Stricker
The 2016 Open Championship will feature a pair of Wisconsinites in the field as Mequon’s Jordan Niebrugge and Edgerton’s Steve Stricker tee it up at Royal Troon in Scotland.
Stricker, 49, who will tee off at 3:14 AM CT Thursday, is playing in his first Open Championship since 2013. His best finish came in 2008 when he tied for eighth at Royal Birkdale.
The 12-time PGA Tour winner qualified by finishing T-2nd at the St. Jude Classic and is fresh off a T-21st at the Scottish Open.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Jordan Niebrugge is hoping to find the same magic that drove him to a tie for sixth overall at last year’s Open, when he earned the silver medal as the tournament’s low amateur.
A recent graduate of Oklahoma State, Niebrugge turned pro three weeks ago, ahead of playing in the Quickens Loan National at Congressional.
Niebrugge will begin his first round at 5:58 AM CT.
An American has won of the past six Open Championships held at Royal Troon.
AUDIO: Jordan Niebrugge on his decision to turn pro :18
AUDIO: Jordan Niebrugge says he’s really grown as a player :18
AUDIO: Jordan Niebrugge on challenges of playing Royal Troon :20