Photo courtesy of Sanderson Farms Championship/Tate Nations.
The 2018 Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson has wrapped up.
In just his second start as a PGA TOUR member, rookie Cameron Champ took home the trophy after he held at least a share of the lead the entire tournament. After a final round score of 68, Champ finished the tournament at 21-under par.
Champ fell into a tie at the top of the leaderboard after shooting -1 on the front nine on Sunday, but with 5 birdies on the last 6 holes, he was able to pull away.
Champ, a Texas A&M golfer from Sacramento, joins eleven players who have made the Sanderson Farms Championship their first TOUR win, including each of the last four: Ryan Armour (2017), Cody Gribble (2016), Peter Malnati (2015), Nick Taylor (2014), Chris Kirk (2011), D.J. Trahan (2006), Luke Donald (2002), Cameron Beckman (2001), Willie Wood (1996), Ed Dougherty (1995) and Brian Henninger (1994).
“First off, I’d like to thank my parents, my family, and close friends who have supported me all throughout the year,” said Champ. “I especially want to mention my Papa Champ back home. I wish he could be in Mississippi to celebrate this win with us, but I know he is at home watching. He is the man who made this happen for me.”
The tournament was able to make it through without any delays despite some weather concerns early on, and the result was a picture perfect weekend for golf.
“We have enjoyed a spectacular week of championship golf and, are very excited to have this fine young man represent our tournament as our champion,” said Joe F. Sanderson, Jr., Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Sanderson Farms. “We are thrilled that we have another first-time winner as our champion. Cameron put on a superb display of golf this week.”
The Sanderson Farms Championship is the fifth of 46 events in the 2018-19 PGA TOUR season. The main benefactor is Friends of Children’s Hospital and the young patients at Batson Children’s Hospital, part of Children’s of Mississippi. The tournament also donates a portion of the proceeds to 35+ additional charities around the state.
“This tournament was brought to you on behalf of the 275 members of Century Club Charities,” said Jeff Hubbard, Century Club Charities president. “The Championship could not run without a very special group of sponsors, and it starts with the absolute best sponsor anyone could ever have, Sanderson Farms led by Joe Sanderson and his amazing team, and of course the best Tournament Director on the PGA TOUR, Steve Jent, and his incredible staff.”
In addition to world-class golf, the tournament staff seamlessly executed a number of events throughout the week, including two Pro-Ams, a sold-out Women’s Day luncheon, clinics for youth and special needs, and a host of other activities for everyone.
“Interest in the Sanderson Farms Championship has increased every year, as evidenced by the increase in sales and spectator attendance,” said Executive Director Steve Jent. “New sponsors came on board, Pro-Ams were sold out early, and media participation has increased every year, translating into more contributions to charity.” The total amount raised by the tournament will be announced in early 2019.
Champ earned his PGA TOUR card through the Web.com Tour, thanks in part to winning the 2018 Utah Championship. With his win at the Sanderson Farms Championship, he claims a $792,000 prize and 300 FedExCup points.
