Andrade gets strong start in strong winds at Sanford International
Children’s Hospital Ambassador Holly Huntimer, 11, tees up opening ceremony of tournament
Written by Mick Garry
A perfectly timed flyover of F-16s from the 114th Fighter Wing of the South Dakota Air National Guard greeted Sanford International spectators on the first tee at Minnehaha Country Club on Friday morning.
Coupled with a rousing rendition of the national anthem from Sanford Heath marketing specialist Lindsay Smith, the opening ceremonies for the Sanford International were off to a great start.
Moments later, 11-year-old Holly Huntimer of Sioux Falls, the 2024 Sanford Children’s Hospital Ambassador, boomed a drive off the tee that drew an enthusiastic high-five from Sanford International host Andy North, the two-time U.S. Open winner who has worked closely with this PGA Tour Champions event since it began in 2018.
The golfers took over from there in entertaining the crowd. At the front of that effort was Billy Andrade, a 60-year-old whose 7-under 63 was four strokes better than anyone else in the field.
The windy and warm conditions proved to be difficult for everyone but Andrade. Three-time International champion Steve Stricker, who has won this event the last two years, shared second with Steve Allan, Michael Wright and Ken Tanigawa at three-under going into Saturday. Only 12 players overall were able to finish under par.
“The greens are very, very firm and fast and with this wind it’s very, very difficult,” Andrade said. “I’m just ecstatic with this round. It’s the best 18 holes I’ve played on the Champions Tour in my 11 years. I’ve had some good scores over the years but nothing this low in these conditions.”
Andrade’s bogeyless effort included a run of seven birdies in nine holes. His five consecutive birdies on holes 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 provided a margin he never gave up.
It was a memorable run. Because of it, Saturday will come with a distinctive set of challenges that Andrade finds comforting.
“As players we tend to get more nervous when we know we’re just hanging on, just making sure that that we can get through the day or get through the week,” Andrade said. “But when you're playing well and the ball's going where you want it to go and you're making some putts – I like that feeling. And it’s not hard to just let it go. Today was one of those days.”
Stricker’s ability to navigate the Minnehaha layout is unmatched based on his success at this tournament. All the more reason to listen to what he had to say about Andrade’s lifetime effort.
“Going down 17 I told the guys in our group that’s a heck of a round,” Stricker said. “When you can beat the field by four shots in one round you know you did something special.”
The competitive situation Andrade finds himself in – a big lead with 36 holes to play – is only a burden if you decide to make it one, he says.
“I’m 60 years old,” he said. “I don’t think anyone really cares how I back this up tomorrow or the next day or next week. We’re all out here having a blast, having a great time. I haven’t won in a long time, and it would be sweet to get back in the winner’s circle. But all I’m thinking about is going out tomorrow and having a great time with a couple great golfers.”
Sioux Falls resident Ryan Jansa shot a three-over 73.
