Courtesy of Sanderson Farms Championship
With the 2019 Sanderson Farms Championship less than two weeks out, tournament officials have announced that Mississippi native Braden Thornberry will be joining the 156-player field by way of one of the tournament’s exemptions.
“We are excited to extend an exemption into the Sanderson Farms Championship to Braden,” said Executive Director Steve Jent. “He’s certainly earned this privilege through his collegiate accomplishments, and we know our fans will enjoy having the opportunity to watch him compete here in his home state.”
Thornberry, an Ole Miss graduate and native of Olive Branch, is the 2017 NCAA Champion and the 2017 Haskins Award Winner with eleven collegiate tournament victories – the most in Ole Miss history. A former #1 ranked amateur in the world, he is a two-time All-American and played on the 2017 Walker Cup and 2018 Palmer Cup teams.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to compete in the Sanderson Farms Championship this season,” said Thornberry. “It is always fun to play in front of the fans in my home state of Mississippi. I have learned so much in my first year as a professional and my game feels solid. I am excited and ready to play in Jackson.”
The 156-player tournament field will be finalized Friday, September 13. So far, the field also includes several past major champions such as two-time major winner and five-time Ryder Cup team member Zach Johnson, 2013 PGA Championship winner Jason Dufner, and 2009 US Open winner Lucas Glover.
The purse for this year’s tournament is $6.6 million, with $1,188,000 going to the winner. For the first time in the tournament’s history, this year’s champion will also punch their ticket to The Masters.
Set to be held at the Country Club of Jackson, the 2019 Sanderson Farms Championship will be the only PGA TOUR event played the week of September 16-22.
For a list of committed players, as well and information about sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, and tickets, visit the tournament’s web site at sandersonfarmschampionship.com.
