Steve Stricker will skip British Open to spend anniversary with wife

Steve Stricker is ranked No. 11 in the world, but No. 1 in his wife's heart. He has decided to skip the British Open this year so he can celebrate his 20th anniversary with his wife Nicki.

By Kyle Porter

Jul 11, 2013 at 5:36 am ET • 1 min read

Steve Stricker will not play the British Open. (USATSI)

Welp.

Ryan Lavner of the Golf Channel reported Thursday that noted PGA Tour nice guy Steve Stricker will skip the British Open next week to hang out with his wife:

.@SteveStricker says he's skipping next week's Open to celebrate his anniversary with wife Nicki. Veteran husband move.
— Ryan Lavner (@RyanLavnerGC) July 11, 2013

It will be Stricker's 20th anniversary with his wife Nicki, who has caddied for him in the past.

The move seems fairly unprecedented -- Webb Simpson missed last year's British Open because his wife was pregnant but this might be the first time a pro athlete has placed more importance on his anniversary than a major championship.

Can you imagine Tiger Woods doing this?

It's not like Stricker has been terrible at the British Open, either. He finished tied for 23rd last year and has had two top-10 finishes in the last six years. Plus, he's No. 11 in the world right now!

It's true playing the John Deere Classic this week and the British Open next week is kind of a slog but, man, it's a major!

Either way, cool move from one of the cooler guys on tour.

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