The recent announcement that the Sanderson Farms Championships would be the final year for the sponsor, Wayne Sanderson Farms, has been overturned. The company announced that it is extending its sponsorship through the 2025 tournament, giving the organizers more time to secure a new title sponsor. Tournament director Steve Jent expressed relief at the news, stating that it provides him with more time to conduct a comprehensive search for a new sponsor.
The decision to extend the sponsorship comes at a crucial time for the tournament, as starting in 2025, fall events are required to pay an additional fee to the PGA Tour. Despite a decrease in the purse for the 2024 event, the tournament will still offer a substantial prize pool of $7.6 million, with the winner taking home $1.368 million. Luke List is the defending champion, and the field will be cut to 70 players after 36 holes.
Wayne Sanderson Farms CEO Clint Rivers expressed excitement about the continued partnership with Century Club Charities, which supports local causes that benefit from the tournament. Rivers highlighted the company’s commitment to charitable contributions and positive community impact, specifically mentioning the Children’s of Mississippi organization. The Sanderson Farms Championship has raised over $17 million for charity since becoming the title sponsor in 2013.
Mississippi has a long history as a PGA Tour stop, dating back to 1968 when the tournament was known as the Magnolia Classic. Over the years, the event has had various names and sponsors, including the Deposit Guaranty Classic, the Farm Bureau Classic, and the Viking Classic. Sanderson Farms took over as the sponsor in 2013 and has been instrumental in moving the tournament to the Country Club of Jackson, a top-ranked course in the nation.
The Sanderson Farms Championship has become a staple in the Mississippi community, with significant contributions to local charities and causes. The tournament has become a major fundraising event, benefiting organizations such as Children’s of Mississippi. The continued sponsorship from Wayne Sanderson Farms ensures that the tradition of giving back to the community will continue for years to come. Overall, the decision to extend the sponsorship through 2025 has provided a much-needed boost to the tournament organizers and the Mississippi community.
