SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Sanford International came to a dramatic finish Sunday in Sioux Falls, with Steve Stricker securing his fourth championship in seven years.
“Mother Nature definitely helped us out this week, there were no complaints on that part of it,” Sanford International Tournament Director Davis Trosin said.
Tens of thousands of golf fans enjoyed three days of sunshine during the Sanford International at Minnehaha Country Club.
“Great fan support the entire week. I think it could have been our biggest event since COVID, honestly, so to see everything come together after a long 12 months of planning from our team’s perspective, very lucky to have the team that we do,” Trosin said.
The gallery of fans witnessed history on Sunday, as Steve Stricker outlasted Richard Green on the fourth extra hole — the longest playoff in tournament history. Stricker hit the flagstick with his approach shot and tapped in for birdie to earn his third straight championship.
“He owns this place. We joked that it could be the ‘Stricker International’ after too long here, I mean four wins for him, so many people stuck around to watch the playoff,” Trosin said.
“It’s hard to win. I didn’t hit the best of shots at times coming down the stretch and I just gutted it out and found a way,” 2024 Sanford International champion Steve Stricker said.
The “Stricker International” marks Steve’s first win on the PGA TOUR Champions of the season and his first victory since the death of his father.
“I’ve been trying to win one all year for my dad who we lost in January, just haven’t been able to get it done. To do it here, to get a three-peat, Andy North being the host, this place is special to me,” Stricker said.
Sunday was something special, but Trosin says the Monday after the tournament is the worst day of the year.
“All the adrenaline is gone, we have to do a lot of manual labor to make sure we can give the golf course back to the MCC members,” Trosin said.
And then it’s back to work, preparing for the 2025 Sanford International.
Stricker will take aim at a fourth consecutive crown next September 8th through the 14th at Minnehaha Country Club.
