The 51st annual Sanderson Farms Championship is underway at the Country Club of Jackson.
The 132-person field is filled with several notable names including Major Champions Lucas Glover, Bill Haas, Retief Goosen, and Cameron Davis. The 2017 Sanderson Farms Champion, Ryan Armour, will return to Jackson to defend his title. Other past champions who are returning to compete are Cody Gribble (2016), Peter Malnati (2015), Nick Taylor (2014), Scott Stallings (2012), Chris Kirk (2011), Chad Campbell (2007), and D.J. Trahan (2006).
“We couldn’t be more excited about the variety and caliber of players this year,” said Executive Director Steve Jent. “We have something to offer everyone who comes out, Major Champions, fan favorites, seasoned vets, PGA TOUR rookies, and even a local State Am winner.”
With some rain in the forecast for today, they’ll hope to avoid any delays. Today is the only day where that may be a cause for concern as the rest of the weekend looks clear.
In 1968, the Magnolia Classic teed off for the first time in Hattiesburg. While the name and the location may have changed, the tournament is still going strong. Since 2013, the event has been called the Sanderson Farms Championship and is now hosted by the Country Club of Jackson.
Aside from the competitive nature of the PGA tour, the event also functions as a partner to the Friends of Children’s Hospital nonprofit, with all proceeds from the tournament benefitting Batson’s Children Hospital and other charities across the state.
The Sanderson Farms Championship and the PGA TOUR made joint contributions totaling over $1.5 million to Mississippi charities last year. Since 1968, over $13.5 million has been contributed to charitable organizations in Mississippi.
For tickets and other information about the tournament, visit their website – sandersonfarmschampionship.com.
