Stricker Celebrates Win By Shooting John Deere Trophy

Six-time Tour winner and avid hunter Steve Stricker "couldn't help [him]self" on Sunday as he shot and fatally wounded the metallic deer that was perched on top of the John Deere Classic winner's trophy.

"If it had been a doe, I would have let her go, what with her having to care for her babies and all," he explained. "But this was a buck and he just had that look on his face, one of those 'I'm-better-than-you-because-I'm-on-a-trophy' kinda grins." The hunting rifle, which Stricker keeps in his bag under a headcover marked "9-wood," was retrieved by his caddy shortly after the completion of the trophy ceremony.

The deer was not felled on one shot, however, as Stricker's first attempt went wide, leaving a sizeable crater in the 18th green. The second shot was a direct strike to the abdomen, and Stricker assured concerned fans that the buck went quickly and felt no pain.