Tag: American Family Insurance Championship

Steve Stricker broke one of Tiger Woods’ records on Friday at the American Family Insurance Championship

“Anytime you can pass Tiger Woods in something – and I may text him and just remind him that I did pass him … I’m proud of that.”

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MADISON, Wisconsin – Steve Stricker, humbly, said he hoped his excellent play of late would continue at his own tournament Friday afternoon at University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, and give him a chance to win the American Family Insurance Championship for the first time.

Stricker did indeed play well – but he had to take a back seat to Justin Leonard, who shot a course-record 10-under par 62 to take the first-day lead. Leonard, 50, made a raucous debut at the AmFam Championship with a flawless round, where he did not record a bogey and played to the crowd as his 10th birdie was poured in on the 17th hole.

“I didn’t play with any kind of score in mind. In fact, I got in the scoring trailer and the group that finished on 9, Tom Lehman asked me what I shot, I said I don’t know,” said Leonard, who is in position to win his first individual event on the PGA Tour Champions. “That’s kind of the goal is just to get lost in the round. I was able to do that kind of on the weekend of the Senior PGA and fortunately it bridged over that two weeks into today.”

While on the PGA Tour, Leonard carded a career-low 61 during tournament rounds in 2001 (Byron Nelson Classic) and 2003 (Colonial).

“I don’t know if I’m going to hit the ball as well every day as I did today, but certainly put myself in the mindset where I’m able to do this much more often than once every 20 years,” he quipped.

As for Stricker, stellar shot-making and consistent putting has not been a mere wish and a thought, as the Madison resident broke Tiger Woods’ PGA Tour-sanctioned record of consecutive rounds at par or better in Friday’s opening round with a 7-under 65.

Beginning at the 2022 U.S. Senior Open, Stricker has now gone 53 straight Tour Champions rounds without a round over par. Woods went 52 straight rounds on the PGA Tour from 2000-01.

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“I saw Justin Leonard going deep so that motivates me to get as many birdies as I can because you don’t want to fall too far behind,” Stricker said. “So, it wasn’t really on my mind but anytime you can pass Tiger Woods in something – and I may text him and just remind him that I did pass him – but seriously, I’m proud of that. I would have rather done that on the regular tour, but to do it out here is really special, too.”

Stricker acknowledged before the tournament that the event means a lot to him, but as its host the social and corporate requirements have been something to learn how to manage. At least for the first round, it looked like he did a good job of it this week.

He then joked he needed to keep that focus Friday night at the annual concert the tournament hosts.

“Well, I’m going to go to the concert, first of all, but I already told myself there’s a limit,” he said. “I’m not telling you what the limit is, but there’s a limit. There’s more than one but less than six.

“But no, we have friends coming. It’s just a great atmosphere to be a part of and go there and see some of my friends and people and see everybody enjoying what’s going on here, so it’s hard not to partake in what we’ve got going tonight. So I’ll be there, but I’ve learned my lesson.”

Stricker is in a group of six players packed within four shots of Leonard. Paul Broadhurst, Marco Dawson and Steven Alker joined Stricker at 7-under while Paul Stankowski and Charlie Wi finished at 6-under.

Colin Montgomerie, David McKenzie and Davis Love III are five back of Leonard.

Two-time tournament champion and fellow Madison resident Jerry Kelly finished with an even-par 72 after putting an old set of irons back in his bag. He made the turn at 1-over and managed two birdies on the back nine against one bogey.

“I sucked,” he said. “It was not very good. I don’t know where the game went, but it definitely went and couldn’t find it the whole day. Couldn’t even chip, putt, everything was gone. I’ll do a little work here, see what happens.”

Milwaukee native Skip Kendall shot a 2-under 70 while Madison’s Mario Tiziani opened with a 3-over 75.

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Thongchai Jaidee, once a paratrooper in Thailand, is now a PGA Tour Champions winner

Thongchai Jaidee won the 2022 American Family Insurance Championship in Madison, Wisconsin.

MADISON, Wisc. — The leaderboard was crowded throughout the final round Sunday during the PGA Tour Champions’ American Family Insurance Championship at University Ridge. At one point, nine golfers were tied for first.

Thongchai Jaidee, a former paratrooper in the Royal Thai Army, calmly waited for his opportunity and then pounced to the claim the title.

Jaidee took sole possession of the lead with a birdie putt from around 20 feet on No. 17. He then made par on the 18th hole to become the first player from Thailand to win on the senior circuit.

He won with a 14-under 202 total after shooting a 68 on Sunday.

“I’m very, very happy to be on tour the more important thing I think. I think thank you to my caddie, the important more thing, too, because he helped me a lot. It’s family support, my sponsor support me for whole life, that’s more important things,” Jaidee said after his round. “Great tournament here. I played solid, solid, solid week.”

Much to the delight of local fans, Jerry Kelly and Steve Stricker vaulted themselves into contention on the final day with strong play.

Kelly had three birdies on his front nine and was tied for the lead, but he couldn’t pull off his third straight victory in the event.

Kelly carded a 5-under 67 and finished two shots behind Jaidee, but he lamented missing three birdie putts on Nos. 16-18.

“I struck it well,” Kelly said. “I putted well; they just didn’t go in this time. I gave myself some good looks.

“I come into this week every year thinking, yeah, this is going to be my year, I want to knock this one off, and then I always end up here trying to rally at the very end,” Stricker said. “I’ve got to get off to better starts.”

Stricker will get a week to rest before the U.S. Senior Open Championship at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It’s been an eventful year for Stricker with a Ryder Cup victory, a mysterious illness and then a golf comeback that included a major victory in the Regions Tradition in May.

“I’ve got a different perspective on life and all sorts of different things now,” Stricker said. “I still have some battles to kind of get over. I’ve still got to get stronger and continue to work on that part of it.

“I’m just thankful to be able to do this, to be able to continue to play, something that I really love to do. And yeah, so it’s come a long ways and the ups and the downs in these last six months were something else, but I’m glad where I’m at now.”

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Brett Favre, Derek Jeter bring out crowd at American Family Insurance Championship

Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee and Miguel Angel Jiménez are tied atop the leaderboard at the American Family Insurance Championship.

MADISON, WI. — It seemed like Saturday was set up for the megawatt personalities at the PGA Tour Champions’ American Family Insurance Championship at University Ridge.

There was a buzz among the spectators in the late morning when two huge sports utility vehicles pulled up to the clubhouse and Derek Jeter and Brett Favre popped out.

Those bold-faced names took part in the celebrity foursome alongside Juli Inkster and Andy North. Several uniformed police officers accompanied them to the driving range as fans in New York Yankees and Green Bay Packers gear clamored for autographs.

Even in the regular field, there was some star power grabbing pieces of the spotlight, with fan-favorite John Daly tying for the second-lowest round.

But when the second round was over, it was a relatively unknown golfer, Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, who was tied atop the leaderboard with a more familiar name in Miguel Angel Jiménez at 10-under 134.

There are plenty of golfers within striking distance, so it could be a tight finish on Sunday.

Jaidee had a workmanlike effort with the lowest round at 7-under 65. Jiménez boasts a little more pizzazz with his ponytail, bespoke shoes and animated gestures.

“I’m going to have a bit of wine like every night,” Jiménez said after his 4-under 68. “Like every night, we’re going to enjoy the night and at 7:30 we have our dinner like every day. Have a cigar afterwards and go to sleep like a baby.”

Miguel Angel Jimenez is tied for the lead at the American Family Insurance Championship in Madison.

Daly always attracts a cult following with his bushy beard, multi-colored pants and ever-present Diet Cokes and cigarettes. After a 71 in the first round, he fired a bogey-free, 6-under 66.

“I made a few putts here and there, hit a lot of fairways, but the guys are going low,” Daly said. “It’s hard to win out here.”

Steve Stricker, Jerry Kelly lacking energy at Am Fam Championship

Local celebrities Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly, the two-time defending champion, will be hard-pressed to contend for this year’s title.

Stricker shot a 3-under 69 and sits six shots behind the leaders.

“Had some opportunities there that I didn’t really take advantage of,” Stricker said. “Especially on the back nine: 11, 12, 13. Yeah, it was a little bit better today, but didn’t really get it in the hole very well at times. But it was better.”

The Edgerton native and Madison resident is balancing his duties as tournament host while trying to find consistency on the course after coming back from a serious illness.

“That’s been the problem with me since I’ve been back is just getting fired up,” Stricker said. “I missed a little putt at I guess it would have been 13 and hit it in there to 3, 4 feet. Missed it. Go back on the tee and beat up the tee a little bit. Then I finally get some energy and emotion.

“That’s what I’ve been lacking a little bit of, that mentality like I had before. And I don’t know why, it kind of comes and goes and I’m kind of going through the motions at times. It was better at times today, but still, it’s not my fiery self at times.”

Kelly is in better position at three shots back after also shooting a 69, but he can relate to the lack of energy. He’s coming off a playoff victory at the Principal Charity Classic in Des Moines, Iowa.

“I’m just tired,” Kelly said. “Normally I’m jacked. I really haven’t gotten as much adrenaline. I mean, that par on 17 got me about as excited as I’ve been this week. The eagle did yesterday on 16.”

Former LPGA star Juli Inkster watches as ex-Packers quarterback Brett Favre throws a football at University Ridge Golf Club on Saturday. They were part of a celebrity foursome at the American Family Insurance Championship.

Derek Jeter, Juli Inkster beat Brett Favre, Andy North in celebrity foursome

The star attractions of the day — Favre and Jeter — were at ease in the spotlight. Favre even tossed some footballs to fans on the 14th hole. The pairing of Jeter and Inkster beat Favre and North over nine holes, leading to a lot of good-natured gibes afterward.

“I had a blast as always,” Favre said. “I’m honored to be asked back to play in this year in and year out. My back was not cooperating. I’m not making excuses, I suck anyway.

“But I was glad I was able to fight through it and play. It’s always great to be back in Wisconsin and see the fans, especially how they support their athletics.”

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Jerry Kelly repeats at American Family Insurance Championship on PGA Tour Champions

Wisconsin native Jerry Kelly won on familiar turf Sunday at the American Family Insurance Championship in Madison.

Jerry Kelly did Wisconsin proud once again.

Defending his title from 2019 in his hometown American Insurance Championship, Kelly shot a 66 on Sunday, then watched as Fred Couples, who nearly chipped in for a birdie on 18 to win, miss a six-foot comebacker for par to hand Kelly the win.

“Can’t get any better than this,” Kelly said after earning his eighth victory on the PGA Tour Champions. “After doubling the 18th hole yesterday and bogeying the first hole, I was reeling a little bit.

“It means so much for me to win around here, and now twice, I’m over the moon.”

Couples, won the 2017 tournament for the last of his 13 senior titles. He tied Miguel Angel Cabrera for second. Jim Furyk and Retief Goosen tied for fourth at 12 under, two shots back.

“Hit a good shot. 18, I’ve been there before, I don’t mind driving it over there,” Couples said about the par-5 closing hole. “Then I chose to be long coming back this way. I knew I wasn’t going to get it close and it just came out hot and rolled through the green. I thought I was putting and then chipped it strong and pushed the putt and that was it.”

Tournament host and Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker finished T-7 at 9 under after a 65. Like Kelly, Stricker grew up and lives in Madison.

Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz was 79th among the 80 finishers, shooting a 74 to get to 16 over.

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Despite a tough finish Saturday, Jerry Kelly is in the hunt at the AmFam Championship

Jerry Kelly admitted he took the wrong approach to the 440-yard, par-4 No. 18 on Saturday, but he’s still in contention at the AmFam.

MADISON, Wis. – Jerry Kelly had played bogey-free golf through 35 holes of the American Family Insurance Championship.

The Madison native was tied atop the leaderboard at 10-under-par with Miguel Angel Jimenez heading into the final hole at University Ridge Golf Course on Saturday. Then Kelly admitted he took the wrong approach to the 440-yard, par-4 No. 18.

“I need to hit the ball better,” Kelly said. “I need to hit the driver better. I need to hit my shots better.

“It doesn’t change anything. It just shows that I can get caught. I got caught trying to skirt that bunker. I wasn’t smart. I’m not hitting it good enough to split hairs. I should’ve put it out to the right and hit something longer in. That’s the way I’ve been playing. I haven’t been taking chances.”

He three-putted the hole for double-bogey and ended up with a 3-under par 69 in the second round. His 136 total was two shots back of Jimenez, who was steady in the second round with one bogey on No. 14.

“You’re going to be 18 holes anyway, you know?” Jimenez said. “The thing you have to do tomorrow is keep patience, have a good swing rhythm and let everything happen.

“You have to respect all the players that are behind you. They’re all great players, and tomorrow the one who plays better will win the tournament. Or the one who keeps more concentrating, more calm. Don’t think about it. Just do your best.”

Fred Couples heads into Sunday’s final round in second at 9 under. Kelly, who won the last AmFam title in 2019, was in a group with Retief Goosen and Jim Furyk at 8-under.

“I didn’t hit it great again today,” Kelly said. “Just making the most of it, not making any big mistakes and then I made a big mistake.

“That was a bummer to finish on. But I’m the same amount of shots back that I was yesterday (after the first round). I know it’s there, but, boy, I would have liked to be in the last group putting the pressure on. But second-to-last group putting pressure on is OK.”

Madison’s Steve Stricker, the tournament host, carded an even-par 72 after a 70 on Friday.

“I want to play well here so badly, I think, and that’s part of the problem,” Stricker said. “I put some extra pressure on myself to play well. And I had been playing well coming into here and I’m still striking the ball fairly nicely at times.

“A couple wayward shots on the way in when I tried to force things. So that’s disappointing.”

Kelly and Stricker are the big names in Wisconsin golf, along with 71-year-old Andy North, who continues to battle back issues and shot a 74 on Saturday. But other familiar names are competing at University Ridge.

Skip Kendall has played in all five AmFam Championships. Now working as a coach in Orlando, it was a no-brainer for the 56-year-old to fly up despite a recent break from competition. It is his first PGA Tour Champions event of the year.

“Any time they ask me to be here, I will absolutely be here,” Kendall said. “This is home for me. This tournament is a very special tournament. It’s done a lot of great things for the community.”

Kendall had a solid front nine, including four birdies in five holes, but had a tough stretch of three straight bogeys and finished with his second straight 72.

“I’m disappointed I’m even par,” Kendall said. “But at the same time, I’m happy. I really came here to do better than how I’m doing. Hopefully tomorrow I can get it rolling like I did early today.”

Kendall, who also played in the Wisconsin State Open last year, doesn’t know when he will be back in his home state again, but he is making the most of it.

“Had a bunch of nice dinners with some people I haven’t seen in a while,” Kendall said. “Just saying ‘hi’ to everyone. It’s been nice.”

Mario Tiziani is also enjoying mingling with familiar faces. The 50-year-old former University of Wisconsin standout is playing his first PGA-sanctioned event in over a decade, thanks to a sponsor’s exemption.

Tiziani is well-known in these parts. He played for his father at UW and Stricker is his brother-in-law. Stricker’s daughter, Bobbi, acted as Tiziani’s caddie as he shot a 75 in the second round.

Tiziani lives in Minnesota, but is still deeply involved in golf as an agent. His client list includes Stricker, for whom Tiziani often caddies for at pro events.

 “I didn’t really know how I was going to feel,” Tiziani said. “I feel at home, honestly, I don’t feel like I’m an outsider.

“It’s good to see a lot of guys that I know and have met being out here over a few years caddying a bit. It’s been awesome. It definitely gets you excited. I’m anxious to work on my game.”

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American Family Insurance Championship canceled due to coronavirus pandemic

The PGA Tour Champions event in Madison, Wisconsin, is now off the schedule but it will return in 2021.

Professional golf in the United States has been the one sport slowly advancing toward normalcy within the coronavirus pandemic, but the American Family Insurance Championship in Madison, Wisconsin, could not find a home in an abbreviated golf season and was formally canceled on Thursday.

Conversations about moving the tournament off its original weekend of June 5-7 at University Ridge Golf Course began during the Players Championship, which was canceled on March 12.

As talks progressed over the last month, the PGA Tour provided alternate dates for the tournament in June, July and August but logistical issues prevented the tournament from finding a date that worked for all parties involved in a reschedule.

American Family Insurance’s corporate initiatives for the rest of 2020, along with golf course availability, sponsor requirements, volunteer availability and operational partners all had to align for a new date to be picked.

“When you take a look at all those factors combined, ultimately there was not one date that ultimately landed because one date ultimately had a conflict of one of those varying factors,” tournament director Nate Pokrass said on a video conference call Thursday afternoon. “When you piece that all together, unfortunately just the options to reschedule weren’t available. As we look for a safe and healthy environment and still have that philanthropic impact, this cancellation allows us to go down that path.”

Ticket or pro-am purchases can be refunded, deferred to 2021 or turned into a donation to tournament charities.

In a video message, tournament host and U.S. Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker said, “It was not an easy decision by any means. We know how much this event means to the community, the fans, the volunteers and the sponsors. We all look forward to it. Even the golfers, we look froward to it.

“But given the mandates and the orders to stay at home, the social distancing, we all know what they are, we just felt like it was in the best interest of everybody – and the safety of everybody – to cancel this year’s event.”

The tournament announced $2.8 million would be donated to charities, with $1 million to the American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, $800,000 to the local charities from the 2019 event and $1 million to the COVID-19 relief effort in Wisconsin.

Stricker also announced the dates of the 2021 tournament, which will be June 10-13.

Since its inception in 2016, the tournament has gained prestige among players and has won the tour’s President’s Award in back-to-back years for “demonstrating outstanding achievement” for charitable giving, sales, attendance and economic impact.

In 2019, an event won by Madison native Jerry Kelly, 70,000-plus fans filled the golf course. The tournament said its estimated economic impact was about $15 million.

The BoDeans and Little Big Town were slated to play the annual tournament-opening concert June 5. They will be the acts for the 2021 tournament instead.

Earlier on Thursday, the PGA Tour announced its intention to begin its schedule on June 11-14 without fans in attendance at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas. It also released its fall schedule while noting it would address future PGA Tour Champions dates in the coming weeks.

With the cancellation of the AmFam Championship, there are no PGA Tour Champions Tour events on the schedule until the second week of July.

“The tour has been a great partner in this process and they’ve looked at and explored a lot of different options with us and somewhat of our timing (of the cancellation) was done in partnership with the PGA (Tour),” American Family community and social impact officer Jim Buchheim said in the video call. “It did allow them to get through some of their (scheduling) announcements (Thursday) morning. That’s why we’re timed the way that we are today. I think we have a good partnership there and that’s continued throughout this challenging process.”

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