The fifth edition of the Sanford International PGA Tour Champions event starts this week at the Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, and all four previous champions are back.
The tournament’s events start Monday with a closed practice round, while the first event open to the public is Thursday as the EMC Championship Pro-Am holds the final round. The first round of The Sanford International is scheduled to tee off on Friday at 11:15 a.m., with the opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m.
From parking, players to watch, what to eat and a weather forecast, here’s what you need to know before you go:
Players to watch
More than 70 golfers will participate at the Sanford International, highlighted by last year’s winner Darren Clarke – who beat K.J. Choi and Steve Flesch in a playoff. Both Choi and Flesch will be at this year’s event.
The field will also include all of the Top 10 money list winners in the Charles Schwab Cup, including Steven Alker who has three wins to date on the tour. Alker’s winnings in the cup are just under $2.5 million.
Padraig Harrington, who has appeared in 12 events of the Charles Schwab Cup, sits in second place, amassing more than $2.1 million in winnings. Harrington has eight Top 10 finishes this year.
John Daly, a fan favorite, is also a part of the field for the Sanford International. He’s joined by other big-name PGA Tour golfers such as Miguel Angel Jimenez, Steve Stricker, Fred Couples, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh. Jimenez won the event in 2020, while Stricker claimed the title in 2018. Rocco Mediate will also participate in the event – he won the 2019 edition of the tournament.
“This year’s field is the best in the history of the tournament,” David Trosin, assistant tournament director, said in a release.
Tom Byrum, a native of Onida, will also play this weekend.
What’s the weather forecast for the Sanford International?
Expect warm weather at this week’s tournament, with a chance of rain in the early rounds.
Highs are expected to reach 85 Thursday — the first day the general public is allowed on the grounds — with a chance of showers before 1 p.m.
There’s another chance of rain Friday, with a high near 81.
On Saturday and Sunday, the NWS forecasts mostly sunny conditions with a high near 79.
Sanford International details
Site: Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Course: Minnehaha CC. Yardage: 6,729. Par: 70.
Prize money: $2 million. Winner’s share: $300,000.
Television: Friday-Sunday, 9:30-11:30 p.m….
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