Steve Stricker has declared himself fit to play for the United States in this week's Presidents Cup in Melbourne.
American shakes off injury concerns on arrival in Australia
Steve Stricker has declared himself fit to play for the United States in this week's Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne.
The 44-year-old has not played since the Tour Championship in Atlanta in late September due to a neck injury but he was able to practise on Monday.
"I feel good, tired from the travel probably more than anything," he said. "But my body feels good, my neck is really a non-issue.
"I specifically took time off at home and rested it. I've been doing some at-home treatments with a traction device and had a cortisone shot about five weeks ago. So, I was aiming for this to be the healthy part.
"This is an important event. You work all year long to try to make the team and get on the team and the last thing you want to do is get injured and not be able to play. So I'm really looking forward to playing, it's good to be here."
World number five Stricker won four points partnering Tiger Woods in the United States' last win over the International team in 2009.
Mahan also fit to play
US skipper Fred Couples has also been heartened by positive news surrounding his other injury concern - Hunter Mahan.
Mahan withdrew from the second round of the Australian Open when he felt pain behind his right shoulder, keeping him from making a full turn.
However, his withdrawal was more of a precautionary measure and he was out hitting balls again on Monday morning.
"Everything is phenomenal. It's really good," Mahan said. "It got better every day. Just one of those things where I just needed rest. I swung it well. There was no holding on to the club, no hoping."
Mahan's trainer flew out to Australia to monitor his recuperation and now the 29-year, who has never had health issues before, is ready to go.
