Who Is Steve Stricker’s First Wife? A Deep Look at His Lifelong Partner Nicki Stricker
When fans talk about professional golfer Steve Stricker, the focus usually falls on his impressive short game, his comeback wins, and his quiet, humble demeanor on the PGA Tour. But behind every successful athlete is a story that often gets overlooked—especially when it involves their personal lives. One question that occasionally surfaces in golf circles is: who is Steve Stricker’s first wife? The answer is surprisingly simple and heartwarming—his first wife is Nicki Stricker (née Tiziani), and she has remained his only wife throughout his career. More than just a spouse, Nicki has been a trusted caddie, a mother, and a stabilizing force throughout his decades in the golf world.
Who Is Steve Stricker?
Before diving into his marriage, it helps to understand why Steve Stricker is such a respected name in the golf community. Born in Edgerton, Wisconsin, in 1967, Stricker’s love for golf developed early. He played college golf at the University of Illinois, where he earned All-American honors and began building a reputation as a steady, technically strong player. He turned professional in 1990 and eventually racked up 12 PGA Tour wins, two Champions Tour majors, and a reputation for being one of the most consistent putters in the game.
Stricker is perhaps best known for his 2007–2012 resurgence after a career slump, where he clawed his way back into the top 10 in the world rankings without ever being flashy. A Wisconsin native through and through, his Midwestern humility made him a fan favorite—and a team captain’s dream. He was named captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2021, leading them to a dominant victory. But through all the highs and lows, one person has been by his side consistently: his wife, Nicki.
Who Is His First Wife—Nicki Tiziani Stricker?
Now to the heart of the matter: Steve Stricker’s first wife is Nicki Stricker, formerly Nicki Tiziani. The two have been married since 1993, and their bond runs deep—both personally and professionally.
Nicki was born and raised in Wisconsin, just like Steve, and comes from a golfing family. Her father, Dennis Tiziani, is a well-known golf coach and former professional golfer himself. He coached both at Edgewood College and at the University of Wisconsin and had a strong influence on many young golfers, including his future son-in-law. In fact, Dennis coached Steve at the University of Wisconsin before Steve transferred to Illinois, and through that connection, Steve and Nicki met.
Nicki herself was an accomplished golfer in college, playing for the University of Wisconsin women’s team. She’s always had a love for the sport, and it’s that mutual passion for golf that helped form the early bond between her and Steve.
When and How They Met
Steve met Nicki through her father in the 1980s. The two began dating in college, and their connection grew steadily over the years. By all accounts, their relationship was grounded in mutual respect, love of family, and of course, golf. After dating for several years, Steve and Nicki got married in 1993.
At the time, Steve was still trying to make his mark on the PGA Tour. The early years of marriage saw the couple traveling together from tournament to tournament, working as a team. Nicki wasn’t just along for the ride—she was actively helping Steve by caddying for him at numerous events.
Marriage and Early Years Together
The couple married in the same year that Steve earned his PGA Tour card. Their timing couldn’t have been better—or more challenging. Life on the road for a young couple trying to break into professional golf wasn’t glamorous, but Nicki took it all in stride. She quickly transitioned from playing her own competitive golf to supporting her husband’s burgeoning career.
She served as Steve’s caddie from 1994 to 1997, and again in later years, including high-profile appearances in 2001 and even as recently as 2015. In a sport where most wives stay in the gallery or at home, Nicki carried the bag, walked the course, and read the greens alongside her husband. That level of support is rare and speaks volumes about their partnership.
Nicki’s Role: Caddie, Supporter, Mother
Nicki’s role in Steve’s life has evolved over time, but her support has never wavered. After the birth of their first daughter, Bobbi, in 1998, she gradually stepped back from caddying to focus on raising their family. Their second daughter, Izzi, was born in 2006.
Though she stepped away from full-time caddying, Nicki has never stepped away from being Steve’s most trusted advisor. She has occasionally returned to carry the bag at smaller events or charity tournaments, proving that she still knows his game inside and out.
Nicki’s experience as a golfer herself means that her insight is more valuable than most. Steve has often spoken in interviews about how much he trusts her judgment on the course and how much her presence helps him stay calm and focused.
Family Life: Daughters & Golfing Legacy
The Strickers have two daughters—Bobbi and Izzi—and both have been part of the family’s deep connection to golf. Bobbi, their eldest, played collegiate golf at the University of Wisconsin, following in her mother’s footsteps. While she may not have pursued a professional career, her involvement in the sport was yet another example of the family’s shared passion.
Izzi, their younger daughter, has also shown interest in the game and has even caddied for her dad in a few Champions Tour events. One particularly memorable moment came when Izzi caddied for Steve at a tournament and shared in the emotional celebration after his win. The moment captured just how much golf—and family—mean to the Strickers.
How Their Partnership Supported Steve’s Career
Steve Stricker is often praised for his composure, steadiness, and humility—traits that many say are mirrored by his wife. Over the years, Nicki has served as much more than a caddie or a spouse. She’s been a business manager, a travel planner, a coach, and a sounding board. During Steve’s career slump in the early 2000s, she remained his biggest supporter, encouraging him to keep playing and believing in his ability to return to form.
And return he did. From 2007 to 2012, Steve experienced a major resurgence, winning multiple PGA Tour events and climbing back into the world’s top rankings. It was a comeback that wouldn’t have been possible without the kind of support that Nicki quietly offered every step of the way.
What Happened Over Time
Unlike many professional athletes whose marriages are plagued by public drama or divorce, Steve and Nicki have remained a steady, private couple. There has never been a divorce—Steve Stricker’s first wife is still his only wife. The strength of their marriage is a testament to their shared values, Midwestern roots, and deep understanding of each other’s needs and aspirations.
Even now, in the later stages of Steve’s competitive career and his increasing presence on the Champions Tour, Nicki continues to support him—sometimes behind the scenes, sometimes on the bag.
Featured Image Source: essentiallysports.com
