July 25, 2023

This paid event listing is sponsored by the Sanford International.

From a reenvisioned tailgate-style area for spectators to a concert from a country music superstar, there are more reasons than ever to plug into the 2023 Sanford International.

In its sixth year in Sioux Falls, the tournament on the PGA TOUR Champions will be Sept. 11-17 at Minnehaha Country Club.

“The event is one of the most well-attended events on the PGA TOUR Champions. The professionals constantly remark how the energy just feels different in Sioux Falls, especially when coming from other events that garner significantly fewer spectators,” tournament director Davis Trosin said.

“They say they feel like they did in their younger playing days on the regular PGA TOUR. Part of that energy beyond the general spectators walking the grounds are the companies that fill up the hospitality venues and passionately cheer on the professionals.”

This year’s event will foster even more of a fun, welcoming environment for golf lovers and new fans alike.

The most popular general spectator area, The Ranch, will receive a face-lift this year and take on a tailgate-style feel.

“It will be complete with backyard games, putt-putt and upgraded patio furniture with a jumbotron so sports fans can tune in to the golf as well as early season football games,” Trosin said.

The Ranch is sponsored by the South Dakota Beef Industry Council, and it will bring in last year’s Contest of Champions BBQ Brisket winner, 605 Barbecue Co., to create a signature beef sandwich served only at The Ranch. “They will have their food truck at The Ranch all weekend serving the sandwich and will also donate some meals to our volunteers throughout the week,” Trosin said.

The Contest of Champions barbecue event will be Sept. 16 immediately following play at 5 p.m. on the driving range, with award-winning vendors vying for the best smoked brisket. It’s open to the public and will feature live music.

And speaking of music, this year’s Sanford International has some great sounds ahead.

The Sanford International LIVE! concert series will be at the Sanford Pentagon following the tournament’s first round Sept. 15.

“This year’s concert features country music superstar Jake Owen, with an opening musical performance by golf legend John Daly and his good friend Jocko Deal,” Trosin said. “Each person who purchases a concert ticket also receives a complimentary grounds ticket to round one of the tournament that Friday.”

In addition, this year’s Women’s Day event Sept. 12 is expected to sell out again and will feature keynote speakers Michelle Money and Jen Clyde, co-founders of the fast-growing, female-centric, golf brand Fore All.

“We have proven that you don’t need to be a massive golf fan in order to enjoy yourself at the Sanford International,” Trosin said.

“On the corporate side, the business community has rallied around the event as we provide a great platform for them to spend time with their clients and employees, and get to know other business owners. As Sioux Falls continues to grow, our event has been useful for new businesses moving to town to engrain themselves in the community. There are few other sporting events where there are so many community stakeholders in one place at one time, and that has been attractive for many businesses.”

Limited sponsorship opportunities remain for businesses interested in connecting to the event.

“We have businesses utilize the tournament for everything from employee reward programs to client entertainment, networking or simply to support a community event that brings national and regional attention to Sioux Falls,” Trosin said.

The tournament also can’t operate without volunteer help. It takes about 650 volunteers annually, working on 20 committees.

“Duties range from driving the professionals and special guests during the week, being a marshal on a hole and having a front-row seat to the action, managing our corporate hospitality venues and many others,” Trosin said.

“Each shift typically lasts four to six hours and included in each volunteer uniform package fee are your meals, grounds access to the tournament when you’re not working and the opportunity to play a round of golf at MCC following the tournament if you work three shifts or more. We could not do what we do without the massive support of our volunteers.”

To learn more about volunteering, click here.

Tickets for the tournament and concert series are available now. Click here to see the types of tickets available, and be sure to purchase them before tournament week to save.

“Our concert and hospitality venues typically sell out, so don’t wait if you want to be sure to reserve your spot,” Trosin said.