In 2007, he finished in the top five six times, including a win at the Barclays, the first event of the FedEx Cup. He was the runner-up to Tiger Woods in the final playoff standings, nabbed a spot on the U.S. Presidents Cup team and earned more than $4 million, nearly four times more than he made in any previous year.
``It all got started here and it kick-started my good play,'' said Stricker, who has four top-10s in eight starts in 2008. ``I gained a lot of confidence from this event a couple of years ago and have kind of rolled with it since. This place means a lot.''
Davis Love III is looking for the same kind of spark. He needs a victory to qualify for the Masters and stretch the longest active streak of major championship appearances to 71.
Love tore ligaments in his left ankle when he stepped in a hole playing golf last September and he's struggled since returning to the tour this year. He hasn't played in Houston since 1992.
``When I first started back, they (doctors) said, 'Don't even worry about the Masters. You're not going to have enough time to be ready even to play in it, much less win a tournament before it.' I feel like I've got a leg up,''' Love said. ``Now, I've played six times and I haven't made any progress. At least I've played, I've gotten some rounds in and I'm still playing, so I've still got a shot.''
The tournament is sponsored by Shell.
