Streelman joins Harrington at Wilson Staff

'I was once left stranded and broke in California,' he recalls

Bob Warters's picture
Thu, 6 Jan 2011
Streelman joins Harrington at Wilson Staff

PGA Tour journeyman Kevin Streelman, once left stranded and broke in California by a supposed sponsor in the early part of his career, has signed a new contract as the latest member of Wilson Staff's advisory team, alongside former Open champions Padraig Harrington and Paul Lawrie.

Streelman (32) had five top 10 finishes on Tour and led the US Open to catch the eye of Wilson in his rookie year. But he reveals on his website that it his success has come after a long journey playing on the mini-tour circuit and twice missing the chance to reach final qualifying by one stroke.

"The Dakotas Tour started the journey of my life. The next six years served as the training ground for my career as a touring golf professional and I burned out three different cars, criss-crossing the country racking up over up over 300,000 miles in pursuit of golf excellence. I was even left stranded and broke in southern California by one supposed sponsor," he recalls.

Streelman will play Wilson Staff FG Tour irons and the Wilson Staff FG Tour wedges as part of his new contract and carry the distinctive red and white Wilson Staff bag. 

Though he has yet to win on the PGA Tour, Streelman won the inaugural Kodak Challenge in 2009, claiming $1m by recording the lowest score (-17) across designated holes at 30 Tour events. during the season.

In 2010 he finished 24th on the PGA Tour and 25th in the FedEx Cup standings, including notable tied third finishes at the Puerto Rico Open and The Barclays at Ridgewood Country Club, where he shot a tournament-low 63.

His success has ensured a debut in this year’s Open Championship and US Masters, as well as a second appearance at the US Open.