Wayne-Sanderson Farms has been a long-standing partner with Jackson, Mississippi, and its PGA tournament, with their run as the title sponsor coming to an end after the 2024 Sanderson Farm Championship. Despite the contract running through 2026, the company has decided to step down as the title sponsor but will continue as a major sponsor for the event held at the Country Club of Jackson. The PGA Tour has seen a natural evolution of sponsors, and Sanderson Farms has raised over $17 million for charity since becoming the title sponsor in 2013.
Mark Stevens, a PGA Tour official, mentioned that the average time for a Tour tournament sponsor is 13 years, and for now, all public comments will be left to Wayne-Sanderson Farms and local officials. Sanderson Farms has been a sponsor since 2013 and has helped in the transition from Annandale Golf Course to the Country Club of Jackson, known as the fifth-best private course in the state. The company’s commitment to supporting local charities, including Children’s of Mississippi, remains steadfast.
In June, Wayne-Sanderson Farms laid off 40 employees at its Laurel campus, leading to speculation about the future of the Sanderson Farms Championship. The company was acquired by Cargill and Continental Grain in 2021, raising questions about their ongoing sponsorship of the PGA event. Joe Sanderson, the former CEO, played a significant role in bringing the PGA Tour to Mississippi. The tournament has a $7.6 million purse with a $1.368 million winner’s share, and interest is already being shown by potential new sponsors for future events.
Century Club Charities has been instrumental in hosting Mississippi’s PGA Tour event since 1994, raising over $24.5 million for Children’s of Mississippi and other local charities. The 2023 Sanderson Farms Championship contributed $1.5 million to charitable causes. Despite Sanderson Farms stepping down as the title sponsor, their commitment to Children’s of Mississippi and the Sanderson Tower at Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson remains strong, ensuring a positive impact on Mississippi families in the future.
There are uncertainties about the future of the Sanderson Farms Championship, especially with the recent partnership between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. However, Steve Jent, the event’s executive director, believes that the tournament is on a good track and remains confident in securing a new title sponsor before the next event in 2025. The field for the championship includes 132 players with a cut to 70 players, and discussions with potential sponsors are already underway to ensure the tournament’s success and continuity. The future of the event remains bright despite the changes in sponsorship.
