SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Sanford International tees off later this week, and for a second straight season, local golfer Ryan Jansa will participate in the field.
Jansa finished even par last September in the Sanford International and carded two rounds below par. Now 12 months later, the Sioux Falls native is preparing for an even better showing.
“Last year, I was nervous,” Jansa said. “This year I’m just I’m looking to perform at a higher level. And I’ve been sharpening the blades pretty good here the last six days. So I’m excited. We’ll see what we’ll get out of it. Obviously, nerves are one big part of it, but I’m going to look at a lot of faces in the crowd. Last year, I think I pretty much just had blinders on, but this year, I’m going to recognize some people, and I’m gonna have a great time. I can’t wait.”
While he feels a sense of a home-course advantage by being the only local in the field, the 51-year-old acknowledges the stiff competition he faces.
“As much as the hometown advantage I get, I’m also about 35 years of professional golf behind the curve with these other guys,” Jansa said. “So, I take that into consideration as well. I’m a banker. I sell mortgages.”
After battling through some mental struggles in the days and weeks leading up to the tournament, Jansa reset to fully appreciate the blessing ahead of him and is now all set to play his best golf against some of the best golfers on the PGA Tour Champions.
“It probably just comes from an overall gratitude,” Jansa said. “I think every day I woke up, and I was struggling mentally with putting too much pressure on myself. I was very results oriented vs. kind of just enjoying the experience. I mean, not very many people get to do this. I’m very, very blessed to be able to do it.”
The Sanford International begins Friday and wraps up with the final round on Sunday.
