Aug. 14, 2025
This event listing is sponsored by the Sanford International.
This year’s Sanford International will offer a new chance to connect with legendary athletes.
The PGA Tour Champions event will be Sept. 8-14 at Minnehaha County Club.
“The professionals consistently praise our strong community support and genuinely enjoy their time in Sioux Falls,” tournament director Davis Trosin said. “That said, we wanted to bring a fresh layer of excitement to tournament weekend with something that doesn’t rely solely on the professional field to generate buzz.”
Introducing: EMC Greats of the Game, which is similar to the Legends Series hosted at the Sanford International from 2018 to 2020 — but with a fresh twist.
“We’re now pairing Pro Football Hall of Fame members with golf legends to create a community-focused experience,” Trosin said. “We’re thrilled to offer fans the chance to interact with four highly decorated athletes from two major sports.”
Those confirmed to attend are:
Sir Nick Faldo: A six-time Major Champion and World Golf Hall of Fame member with 43 professional wins, including three Masters and three Open Championships. He retired as CBS’ lead golf analyst in 2022.
Andy North: Two-time U.S. Open Champion and ESPN’s lead golf analyst since 2003. A Wisconsin native, he has been the host of the Sanford International since its inception in 2018.
Cris Carter: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013, Carter caught 130 touchdown passes and over 1,100 receptions during his 16-year NFL career, most of it with the Minnesota Vikings.
Rondé Barber: A 2023 Hall of Fame inductee, Barber spent his entire 16-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He’s a Super Bowl XXXVII champion and five-time All-Pro, including three first-team selections.
EMC Greats of the Game will include two distinct experiences:
Friday night dinner at the Sanford Barn
This is a private event featuring the four Greats in an engaging program emceed by Andy North. Guests will enjoy stories from their playing and broadcasting careers and their takes on the current landscape of golf and football.
“We’re selling limited single invitations and tables of eight for this exclusive dinner. Space is still available but filling quickly,” Trosin said.
Visit here to learn more and reserve your spot.
Saturday exhibition match, autograph signing
On Saturday, the Greats will play a nine-hole exhibition match in a scramble format. Nick Faldo and Cris Carter will team up against Andy North and Rondé Barber starting on hole No. 10 following the final tournament group as they make the turn.
“Anyone with a Saturday ticket can follow the match,” Trosin said. “Afterward, fans can meet the Greats during an autograph session at the driving range as part of our After Party at the Range presented by Beef Logic Inc. The party will also feature live music from Jocko Deal — John Daly’s best buddy — and delicious chislic prepared by South Dakota ranchers.”
More new additions
This year’s Sanford International also includes an expanded partnership with Schwan’s Co. and its bibigo brand. The company’s new facility is under construction in northwest Sioux Falls.
“Our partnership with their brand has expanded this year to highlight their delicious range of products, in particular items that will be made right here in Sioux Falls,” Trosin said.
“Bibigo will have a dedicated concession stand near hole No. 18, serving up fan favorites like crunchy chicken with fries, two varieties of their signature dumplings, and vegetable spring rolls. We’re also incorporating bibigo-themed recipes into our Pro-Am and hospitality experiences.”
Plus, the bibigo Pro-Am Sweepstakes is returning. Anyone can enter by purchasing $10 worth of bibigo products at a local grocery store and uploading their receipt to the tournament website by Sept. 1. Winners will receive a spot in the EMC Championship Pro-Am or access to the PREMIER Club hospitality venue at this year’s event.
Tickets and limited partnership opportunities for this year’s Sanford International are still available.
“If individuals or companies are interested in hosting clients or employees, we recommend reaching out soon as inventory is going fast,” Trosin said.
Grounds tickets and all-inclusive PREMIER Club passes are available up to and during the event, but purchasing early guarantees the best pricing compared with buying at the main entrance.
Visit here to learn more.
Volunteers needed
Want to enjoy the event for free and help make it possible? Volunteer roles are still open.
“We have openings across several committees, with roles suited for both avid golfers and those new to the sport,” Trosin said. “Volunteering is a great way to meet people, build team camaraderie and get a behind-the-scenes look at one of South Dakota’s largest sporting events.”
Visit here to learn more.
