Aug. 29, 2024

This paid event listing is sponsored by the Sanford International.

The fan experience will take center stage more than ever at this year’s Sanford International, with new viewing areas, food and beverage offerings and entertainment.

The golf tournament, a stop for the PGA TOUR Champions, returns to Minnehaha Country Club Sept. 9-15.

“We are very proud that our event is utilized as a platform for businesses to bring their clients and guests from out of town to stay in our hotels, dine at our restaurants and take in all that our great city has to offer,” tournament director Davis Trosin said.

“Oftentimes, this will be the first time that those individuals are introduced to Sioux Falls, and we feel privileged that we can play a part in showing off what we think is one of the best places in the country to live, work and raise a family.”

The tournament is supported at record levels this year, with sponsorship from more than 155 corporate partners and over 600 volunteers.

“The community support that we receive is not common across other PGA TOUR Champions events, and players constantly remark how the energy feels different at Minnehaha Country Club as they are coming down the stretch vying for the title,” Trosin said. “What started as a pro golf tournament has turned into a community social event that showcases the incredible city and state that we have the pleasure to call home.”

While many of the corporate hospitality options are close to selling out, there still are options that offer a private and shared hosting experience.

“Our team works hard to provide hosting opportunities that fit the needs of our partners within an ideal budget,” Trosin said. “We can execute these opportunities for potential partners all the way up to the day of the event.”

New for fans

The Sanford International is continually looking for new elements that make the event fresh and an exceptional spectator experience.

This year brings a focused approach for guests who purchase a $25 grounds ticket.

“By working with some of our partners, we will provide some viewing opportunities that are open to the public and will allow our general ticket holders to feel like a VIP,” Trosin said.

That includes:

• The Maestro Dobel Tequila Deck on Hole No. 17, a new, open-to-the-public venue that’s basically on top of the 17th green. Strategically positioned, it also allows spectators to watch the professionals play holes No. 1 and No. 2. This deck will feature the tournament’s signature cocktails: Ace Paloma and Fairway Margarita. The Fairway Margarita is available exclusively at the Tequila Deck while the Ace Paloma will be served at concessions stands coursewide. Both are made with delicious Maestro Dobel tequila, of course.
• The AARP Viewing Deck behind No. 9 green. The deck’s position provides an excellent vantage point to view the approach shots and putts of the professionals on the exciting par 4 hole. Positioned directly under a shade tree, this viewing deck should be a popular place for spectators to take in the action as they make their way from the main entrance to the rest of the golf course.

Food and drink

Bibigo, whose parent company Schwan’s Co. is investing in Sioux Falls with a new manufacturing facility, will have a strong presence at this year’s tournament.

“We will have a bibigo-specific concession stand between holes No. 10 and No. 18, serving up some of the staple bibigo items that will eventually be produced right here in Sioux Falls,” Trosin said.

Items such as Fried Chicken Dumplings, Korean Crunchy Chicken and Korean-Style Loaded Fries will be available for purchase there.

“We also partnered with bibigo to offer a Pro-Am sweepstakes to give anyone the opportunity to play in that unmatched golf experience,” Trosin said.

To participate, simply purchase $10 worth of bibigo product at your local grocery store, and upload the receipt on the tournament website by Sunday, Sept. 1, for the chance to play in this year’s EMC Championship Pro-Am with a guest.

Longtime partner the South Dakota Beef Industry Council and Beef Logic Inc., will be serving up this year’s signature sandwich at The Ranch: the South Dakota Ribeye Sandwich. Served by local ranchers, this sandwich will feature some of the freshest beef to ever hit spectators’ taste buds.

“We are looking forward to adding this new signature sandwich into the mix at The Ranch,” Trosin said.

“We reenvisioned The Ranch last year to have a strong ‘tailgate’ feel with video boards to watch football, play cornhole and mini golf, and lounge in comfortable patio furniture provided by Furniture Mart.”

Here’s how committed the tournament is to fans: The Sanford International was awarded the Fan First Award at the PGA TOUR annual meeting.

“This award is presented to the event that goes above and beyond to create an elevated experience for every type of fan, and we are certainly looking to add to those efforts this year,” Trosin said.

Most importantly, “the tournament is for everyone, regardless of their interest level in golf,” he added.

“It provides a chance to see friends, eat delicious food and admire the world-class talent of the legends of the game up close and personal. Our GreatLIFE Children’s PlayZone, InSports Junior Golf Clinic, Sunrise Yoga and Contest of Champions BBQ Contest are all open to the public and provide opportunities for the entire family to enjoy themselves at the event.”

To learn more and purchase tickets, click here.

Volunteer

The Sanford International also needs volunteers, and the role comes with some great perks, including the chance to contribute inside the ropes.

“We have several committees available for golfers and nongolfers alike, whether it is coordinating transportation for the players, interacting with our tournament partners, shuttling spectators around the course, being in the tournament action as a hole marshal and much more,” Trosin said.

“Each volunteer is vital to the success of our operation and helps us maximize the charitable dollars generated from the event that make a difference in the lives of children in our community. If anyone is looking to meet new people, get up close and personal with the professionals and help directly contribute to the event’s success, volunteering is a great way to get involved!”

Click here to learn more.