Sanford International returns to Minnehaha Country Club this week
Written by Mick Garry
The Sanford International returns in 2024 with a pair of defending champions.
Steve Stricker, a shining star among PGA Tour Champions competitors since he turned 50 in 2017, enhanced an already impressive legacy at the Sanford International by winning the event for the third time in the tournament’s history in 2023.
The other defending champion is the event itself. The Sanford International earned the Fan First Award from the PGA Tour Champions last winter in recognition of “going above and beyond to create an elevated experience for every type of fan.”
It was one of six awards given out by the PGA Tour Champions, which has 28 tournaments annually.
“That means we’re the most fan-friendly event on the tour,” said Davis Trosin, tournament director of the Sanford International. “That’s something we’re very proud of, especially with the community support that we get each year.”
The goal, Trosin said, is to create a VIP kind of experience for everyone, regardless of whether they’re watching from a chalet on the 18th hole or buying a $25 ticket to roam the grounds.
To that end, there will be additional spectator opportunities, new food options and the return of popular events accompanying the golf.
Schedule highlights
A look at some of the highlights:
- Women’s Day begins Tuesday, Sept. 10, with an opportunity to play with a PGA Tour Champions professional in the Pro-Am regardless of skill level. Following golf, the event features a networking luncheon with keynote speaking Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, president of Augustana University.
- Sanford International Junior Clinic, sponsored by the Insports Foundation, at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Minnehaha Country Club. Experience expert coaching from The First Tee, Sanford Sports, and GreatLIFE.
- Sanford International LIVE! brought to you by Community Partners, EMC and Bluepeak Fiber Internet, featuring a concert from pop chart-toppers Third Eye Blind, who will be taking the stage on Thursday night, Sept. 12, at the Pentagon.
- Beef BBQ Contest of Champions sponsored by the SDBIC, Beef Logic Inc., Fireplace Professionals and Jorgenson Land + Cattle at the Sanford International on Saturday, Sept. 14, in the driving range area at the course following the completion of play.
“We can't have an award-winning tournament event like the one Davis and his team puts on without award-winning fans and patrons,” said Steve Young, president of Sanford Sports. “We’re proud that we have been able to improve the tournament every year and add to the entertainment. It's a family event and it's a community event.”
Returning champions
In addition to Stricker, the tournament field includes past champions Rocco Mediate, Darren Clarke, and Miguel Angel Jiménez.
Sanford Health ambassador Bernhard Langer, a 67-year-old golfing legend who continues to recover from an Achilles tear, lost in a playoff last week to Y.E. Yang at the Ascension Charity Classic in St. Louis and is returning to the International. Yang is also playing this week, as is four-time major winner Retief Goosen and Ernie Els, who leads Charles Schwab Cup standings. In all, eight of the top 10 on the Charles Schwab Cup standings are coming back to the tournament.
For the second consecutive year, the tournament also includes Sioux Falls’ own Ryan Jansa, who has been working to qualify for PGA Tour Champions events since the spring of 2023. Jansa, a seven-time South Dakota Golf Association male golfer of the year, finished at even par for three rounds last year after being granted a sponsor’s exemption.
“Every single detail is perfect,” Jansa said of the tournament. “I hear that from guys when I’m out playing and trying to qualify for other tournaments. Anytime they hear I’m from Sioux Falls, their response is the same. They are just thrilled to come back. They love the community, and the golf course is one of their favorites.”
For information on tickets and a complete list of Sanford International-related events and promotions for this year’s tournament, visit sanfordinternational.com.
