SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Steve Stricker won the Sanford International each of the last two years – first in a playoff in 2022, then by a single stroke last year. The 57-year-old made it a three-peat Sunday with a four-hole playoff win.
The victory at Minnehaha Country Club was Stricker’s first title since last year’s Sanford International. He lost his father over the course of the year, which gave this win added significance.
“This one’s probably more special for sure,” Stricker said. “Like I said before, for my dad, for being a three-peat, Andy North, I have a special connection with him and Susan, and the people of Sanford – I’ve gotten to know pretty well over the years.”
Stricker entered Sunday tied for third. He shot 3-under on the day to catapult into the lead before Richard Green birdied 18 to force a tie at 8-under. The two parred each of the first three playoff holes. Then, on playoff hole No. 4, Stricker’s tee shot landed just off the fairway. From there, he drove his second shot right at the cup, and it hit off the pin to land mere feet away, which set up a birdie putt for the championship.
“I heard the people start to get a little bit more excited,” Stricker said. “I could see the line was looking good from where I was. But I’m just glad it hit the hole and stopped a couple of feet away. You don’t expect to hit that.”
The Wisconsin native has now won four times here in Sioux Falls by claiming the last three crowns as well as the inaugural championship.
“This is a home-field, home-course advantage for me with all the support I get and just the familiarity that I have with the course and the friends that I’ve made here over the years,” Stricker said. “It’s a sweet, sweet spot for me and a special win.”
Stricker is the first player to three-peat on both the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions. He won three straight John Deere Classics from 2009-11.
