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The run to three straight titles probably wouldn't even have begun but for the tournament's charter jet to the British Open site, which started in 2008.
"The year before, seven players went from our tournament to the (British) Open, and they all lost their luggage at Heathrow," said tournament director Clair Peterson. "We felt we had to do something."
It boosted the depth of the John Deere field considerably, Stricker included. While only 16 of the top 50 on the Tour's money list are playing, 34 players in the field have won in the last two years.
"I was leaving Friday night and getting there Saturday, then have four days to prepare," Stricker said. "Then the charter came. It was always hard not to come here because it's so close to home. I finally decided to give it a rip."
That was 2009. Stricker beat a trio that included Zach Johnson by three strokes. He repeated in 2010, beating Paul Goydos by two strokes. Last year's dramatics gave him three titles.
"When you have a world-class player in Steve, it's not all that surprising to me," Johnson said. "His chances of winning this week, I don't have any idea, but it wouldn't surprise me."
Stricker wasn't alone in finding the charter the clinching reason to play the week before the British Open. This week, 25 players are expected to take the non-stop flight. A 26th will join them if he finishes in the top five and isn't otherwise qualified.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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