Stricker soaks up the hometown support at the U.S. Open

Jun 18, 2017; Erin, WI, USA; Steve Stricker walks off the 8th green during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Erin Hills. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

ERIN, Wisconsin (Reuters) - He walked to the 18th green to a rousing ovation and left it as the U.S. Open clubhouse leader, though at five under par Steve Stricker eventually finished 11 strokes behind winner Brooks Koepka.

Yet with the current Big Three of the rankings -- Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy and Jason Day -- all making early exits outside the cut line, home-grown veteran Stricker was the uncontested crowd favourite at Erin Hills.