There is something almost magical about watching professional golf up close, especially when you are standing on a perfectly manicured fairway in early September, the South Dakota sun warming your shoulders while legends of the game walk right past you with a smile and a nod. I have been to plenty of golf tournaments over the years, big ones too, but there is a different vibe at the Sanford International that keeps me coming back. It feels less like a corporate machine and more like a community celebration that happens to feature some of the greatest golfers who have ever played the game.
If you have never heard of the Sanford International, or if you have seen the name pop up on your TV guide but were not sure what it was all about, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From the tournament’s history to how to get tickets for the 2026 event, we’ll cover it all. And trust me, by the end of this, you will be marking your calendar for September 7-13, 2026, because this is one sporting event that deserves a spot on your bucket list.
What Exactly Is the Sanford International?
The Sanford International is a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour Champions, the senior tour for golfers aged 50 and above. Think of it as the continuation of greatness, where players who dominated the PGA Tour in their prime get to compete against each other with the same fire and competitive spirit, just with a little more gray hair and a lot more experience. The tournament debuted in September 2018, making it relatively young in the world of professional golf. Still, it has already established itself as one of the premier events on the senior circuit.
The event is held at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a location that might surprise some people who do not immediately associate championship golf with the Midwest. But that is part of what makes this tournament special. While many golf events cluster in Florida, California, or Arizona, the Sanford International brings world-class golf to the heart of America, proving that great golf can thrive without an ocean view or a desert landscape. The tournament is sponsored by Sanford Health, one of the largest health systems in the country, and that partnership goes way beyond just slapping a logo on a banner. Sanford Health uses this platform to promote wellness, community health initiatives, and charitable giving throughout the region.
The purse for the tournament sits at $2.2 million, with the winner taking home $330,000, which is serious money even by professional golf standards. But what really sets this event apart is the atmosphere. Because the field is limited to 78 players and there is no cut, fans get to see every player compete all three days. That means if you buy a ticket for Sunday, you are guaranteed to see your favorite golfer play, which is not something you can say about every professional tournament out there.
Minnehaha Country Club: A Perfect Stage for Champions
Let us talk about the golf course itself because the venue can make or break a tournament, and Minnehaha Country Club absolutely delivers. The course plays at 6,747 yards with a par of 70, which might sound short compared to the monster courses the PGA Tour plays, but do not let those numbers fool you. This is a classic layout that requires precision, strategy, and a deft touch around the greens. The course was designed by William Langford and Theodore Moreau back in the 1930s, and it has that old-school feel that golf purists absolutely love.
What makes Minnehaha special for the Champions Tour is that it is walkable, scenic, and offers plenty of vantage points for spectators. You are never too far from the action, and the land’s natural contours create amphitheaters around several greens where fans can gather and watch the drama unfold. The fairways are lined with mature trees, the greens are small and well-protected, and the closing stretch, particularly holes 16 through 18, creates genuine tension on Sunday afternoons.
I remember walking the course in 2023, following Steve Stricker’s group during his third win here, and overhearing a conversation between two local volunteers. They were talking about how the course plays differently in September compared to the summer months when the members play it. The rough is thicker, the greens are faster, and the wind seems to pick up in the afternoons, making this a test these veteran players respect. One volunteer mentioned that several players had told him Minnehaha reminds them of the classic courses they grew up playing, which is probably why the scoring is competitive but not ridiculously low. You have to think your way around this place, and that is exactly what makes for compelling golf.
The Stars of the Show: Players Who Define This Tournament
No discussion of the Sanford International would be complete without talking about the players, and one name towers above all others: Steve Stricker. The Wisconsin native has won this tournament four times, including three consecutive victories from 2022 to 2024, which is absolutely remarkable. His 2023 win was particularly impressive because he set the tournament scoring record at 16-under-par 194, a mark that still stands. Stricker has a connection to this area, having played college golf at the University of Illinois and spending much of his professional career in the Midwest, so this tournament feels like a home game for him.
But Stricker is just the beginning. The 2025 champion was Retief Goosen, the South African with two U.S. Open titles to his name, who proved that he still has plenty of game at age 56. Goosen’s victory was a masterclass in ball-striking, and it showed that this tournament attracts players who can still compete at the highest level. Then you have personalities like John Daly, who brings his colorful pants, massive drives, and huge following wherever he goes. Daly has become a regular at this event, and the fans absolutely love him. He will sign autographs for hours, pose for pictures, and generally act like he is having the time of his life, which is infectious.
The tournament host is Andy North, the two-time U.S. Open champion who has become the face of the Sanford International since its inception. North provides the continuity and credibility that a young tournament needs. He knows the players, he knows the media, and most importantly, he knows how to connect with the Sioux Falls community. In 2025, the tournament introduced the “EMC Greats of the Game” event, which paired golf legends Sir Nick Faldo and Andy North with NFL Hall of Famers Cris Carter and Rondé Barber for a nine-hole exhibition. This kind of crossover appeal brings in sports fans who might not otherwise watch golf, and it creates memories that last long after the final putt drops.
Other regulars include Miguel Ángel Jiménez, the cigar-smoking Spaniard who won here in 2020 and brings a European flair to the Midwest; Darren Clarke, the Northern Irishman who captured the 2021 title; and Rocco Mediate, whose 2019 victory here was one of the feel-good stories of that year. The field is always strong because players genuinely enjoy coming to Sioux Falls. They talk about the hospitality, the course conditions, and the passionate fans who show up rain or shine.
More Than Just Golf: The Full Tournament Experience
One thing that separates the Sanford International from other golf tournaments I have attended is the sheer variety of activities happening beyond the competitive rounds. Yes, the golf is the main attraction, but the tournament organizers have built an entire week of events that cater to different interests and age groups.
The EMC Championship Pro-Am is a highlight for many local business leaders and golf enthusiasts. This is your chance to play Minnehaha Country Club with a professional golfer, and while it is definitely a splurge, participants consistently tell me it is worth every penny. The Wednesday and Thursday pro-ams allow amateurs to experience the course under tournament conditions, complete with gallery ropes and scoreboards, and the professionals are generally gracious and engaging with their amateur partners.
For families, the InSports Foundation Junior Golf Clinic is a fantastic opportunity to get kids interested in the game. Held on Monday of tournament week, this free clinic offers young golfers instruction from PGA professionals and, sometimes, even tour players. I have seen kids walk away from this clinic with autographed gloves, huge smiles, and a newfound passion for golf. The tournament also offers free admission for kids 15 and under when accompanied by a ticketed adult, which makes this an affordable family outing.
The military and first responder appreciation program is another aspect that deserves recognition. Thanks to partnerships with Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort, GIVE Foundation, and SCHEELS, all active-duty, reserve, veteran, and retired military personnel, plus police officers and firefighters, receive free admission Friday through Sunday. They even set up a special Military & First Responders Outpost on the 17th hole with complimentary food and beverages. As someone with family members who served in the military, I think this is exactly the kind of community-minded thinking that makes this tournament special.
The 2025 addition of the EMC Greats of the Game brought a new dimension to the tournament. Watching Sir Nick Faldo, with his six major championships and distinctive analytical mind, play alongside NFL legends added a layer of entertainment that you do not get at every golf tournament. These kinds of innovations show that the organizers are always looking for ways to improve the fan experience.
Planning Your Visit: Everything You Need to Know
If you are convinced that you need to experience the Sanford International in person, and I hope you are, here is the practical information to make your trip a success. The 2026 tournament runs from September 7-13, with the competitive rounds taking place Friday through Sunday, September 11-13.
Ticket options range from single-day grounds passes to premium hospitality packages. A single-day ticket will run you around $30-40 if purchased in advance, with a slight increase if you buy at the gate. The three-day package saves you about $15 and is the way to go if you plan to attend multiple days. For those looking to upgrade, the PREMIER Club offers an elevated experience between holes 10 and 18, featuring open seating, complimentary food and full bar service, private restrooms, and flat-screen TVs to track the action. Single-day PREMIER Club tickets are $355, which is pricey but comparable to hospitality at other professional golf events.
Parking is available on-site, but I recommend arriving early, especially on Saturday and Sunday when the crowds are largest. The tournament provides clear directions on its website, and there are usually volunteers directing traffic, making the process relatively painless. If you are staying in Sioux Falls, many hotels offer shuttle service to the course, eliminating the hassle of parking.
Speaking of hotels, Sioux Falls has plenty of options ranging from budget-friendly chains to boutique properties. The Clubhouse Hotel & Suites often offers special “Stay and Attend” rates for tournament week, and it is conveniently located near the course. Downtown Sioux Falls is about a 15-minute drive from Minnehaha Country Club and offers great restaurants, breweries, and the beautiful Falls Park, which is worth a visit if you have time.
For the best spectator experience, I recommend spending at least one day walking the entire course to get a feel for the layout, then picking a specific hole or two to post up and watch the groups come through. The grandstands behind the 18th green offer a perfect view of the finishing-hole drama, while the 17th hole, with its military outpost and amphitheater setting, is a great place to spend an afternoon. Do not forget to check the pairing sheet each day so you can plan which groups you want to follow.
Why the Sanford International Matters
In an era of mega-contracts, corporate consolidation, and sports entertainment that sometimes feels disconnected from the communities that host it, the Sanford International stands out as an event that genuinely cares about its impact. Since its inception in 2018, the tournament has raised millions of dollars for charitable causes, with a particular focus on children’s health initiatives through Sanford Children’s Hospital.
The economic impact on Sioux Falls is substantial as well. Hotels fill up, restaurants are packed, and local businesses see a noticeable bump during tournament week. But beyond the dollars and cents, there is a sense of pride this community takes in hosting a world-class event. I have talked to locals who volunteer year after year, not because they are huge golf fans, but because they love showing off their city to visitors from around the country.
The tournament has also helped put Sioux Falls on the map as a golf destination. Minnehaha Country Club has always been a gem, but having it showcased on the Golf Channel and featured in national golf publications has brought well-deserved attention to the quality of golf in South Dakota. Young golfers in the region now have a local event to aspire to, and the tournament’s junior golf programs are building the next generation of players.
As the tournament has extended its agreement with Minnehaha Country Club through 2030, fans can count on this event being a September staple for years to come. That stability matters in the world of professional golf, where tournaments come and go with frustrating regularity. The Sanford International is here to stay, and it will only get bigger and better.
Conclusion
The Sanford International represents everything good about professional golf. It brings world-class competition to a community that appreciates it, creates memorable experiences for fans of all ages, and gives back to the region through charitable initiatives. Whether you are a die-hard golf fan who wants to watch Steve Stricker chase his fifth title, a casual sports fan looking for a fun weekend activity, or a family searching for an affordable way to introduce your kids to the game, this tournament delivers.
I have been to many golf tournaments, but there is something about the Sanford International that keeps me coming back. Maybe it is the genuine Midwestern hospitality, or the way the late summer light hits the fairways at Minnehaha Country Club, or the thrill of watching players I grew up admiring compete with the same passion they had decades ago. Whatever it is, I think you will feel it too when you attend. So mark your calendars for September 2026, grab your tickets early, and get ready to experience one of the best weeks in South Dakota sports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is the 2026 Sanford International?
A: The tournament takes place September 7-13, 2026, with competitive rounds Friday through Sunday, September 11-13.
Q: How much are tickets to the Sanford International?
A: Single-day grounds tickets start around $30-40 in advance, with three-day packages offering savings. Premium hospitality options, such as the PREMIER Club, are available at higher price points.
Q: Where exactly is the tournament played?
A: Minnehaha Country Club, located at 3101 W 22nd Street in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Q: Who won the 2025 Sanford International?
A: Retief Goosen of South Africa won the 2025 tournament with a score of 13-under-par 197.
Q: Can I bring my kids to the Sanford International?
A: Absolutely. Children 15 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a ticketed adult, making this a very family-friendly event.
Q: Is the Sanford International broadcast on TV?
A: Yes, the tournament is broadcast on the Golf Channel, allowing fans to watch from home if they cannot attend in person.
Q: What is the EMC Greats of the Game?
A: Introduced in 2025, this is a special nine-hole exhibition featuring golf legends paired with sports stars from other disciplines, adding entertainment value to tournament week.
Q: How can I volunteer at the Sanford International?
A: The tournament relies on hundreds of volunteers each year. Visit the official website to sign up, as volunteer registration typically opens several months before the event.
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