Sanderson Farms Championship Preview and Picks

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Our performance chart, listed by average finish, is a perfect way for fantasy golfers to check on the past performance of all the players in the Sanderson Farms field. Another way to check who is the best is through a special formula worked out in Golfstats that gives us the best average performances at Sanderson Farms in the last five years. Or check out our brand new and sortable 8-year glance at Sanderson Farms.

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🎯 Presidents Cup Takeaways

Once again, Team USA triumphed in the Presidents Cup, but the recurring pattern of American dominance raises the question: How can we make this event more competitive? The PGA Tour undoubtedly benefits from the matches, but they need a shake-up to keep them exciting. One potential solution is adding female players to the mix. Imagine the impact of including 12 women—six from the U.S. and six from the International side. With standout talents from countries like Korea and Japan, this could not only close the competitive gap but also introduce a fresh appeal to the event. The addition of female stars would draw a broader audience and energize the format in a way we haven’t seen before.

Another necessary change is ensuring the 12 best International players make the team, regardless of whether they have PGA Tour status. Currently, the selection criteria limit eligibility to PGA Tour members, leaving out talented players who could strengthen the International squad. Take Joaquin Niemann, Cameron Smith, or Kensei Hirata, for example—each of these players could have brought much-needed firepower. Had they been included, the International Team could have posed a far greater challenge to the Americans. By revisiting these selection rules, the Presidents Cup could see closer, more thrilling contests in the future.

🔥 There is some player buzz from the Presidents Cup. Max Homa, who has not had a great 2024, fired his swing coach, Mark Blackburn.  Homa told the media that he is not currently working with a coach and is searching for one.  Homa and Blackburn have been working together since the 2020 U.S. Open, and since then, Homa has won five of his six PGA Tour victories.  Homa also had great years, in 2022 he was 5th in the FedEx Cup making $5.2 million.  The next year was even better, he was 9th in the FedEx Cup, but won twice ad earned $10.8 million.

Couldn’t resist this one. He was a bit thirsty…

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🏆️ Sanderson Farms Preview

The Sanderson Farms Championship has been a staple on the PGA Tour since 1968. Originally known as the Magnolia Classic, it became an official event in 1986. Over the years, it has moved around on the schedule, from being played opposite the Masters to its current position as a fall event. The tournament’s future is uncertain, as Sanderson Farms is stepping down as the title sponsor after this year, leaving a gap that may be difficult to fill in Jackson, Mississippi. Despite this, the event has raised over $17 million for local charities, and its absence would be a loss for the community and the PGA Tour.

Course Overview:

Since 2014, the Country Club of Jackson has hosted the tournament. The course is a par 72, designed by John Fought, and features classic “Golden Age” architecture, with raised greens and tight fairways. Recent changes have made the course more challenging, particularly by narrowing the fairways and allowing the rough to grow thicker. Although the course is not the longest on tour, it has evolved into a venue where longer hitters have an advantage, especially with recent winners demonstrating significant driving distance.

One of the defining characteristics of the Country Club of Jackson is its greens. These greens are large, undulating, and feature closely mown run-off areas, which create a challenge for players who miss their approach shots. The greens tend to be fast and, when dry, can become treacherous, adding another layer of difficulty. Pin positions are often tucked away in corners, demanding precise iron play to avoid three-putting. The course also rewards good scrambling around the greens, though overall, it is a course that favors players who hit greens in regulation.

In past editions of the Sanderson Farms Championship, the winners have consistently ranked highly in greens-in-regulation stats. For instance, past champions like Sergio Garcia and Sam Burns led the field in this category. The course’s design means that hitting the greens is just the first part of the equation; putting well is also crucial, especially with the greens’ undulating surfaces that make reading putts a challenge. Players who can master the speed and break of the greens will have a significant advantage.

🔑 Key to Success at Sanderson Farms

1. Driving Distance & Accuracy:

Power off the tee is becoming increasingly important at this event. The course ranked 16th in driving distance last year, and recent winners have shown an ability to hit it long. Luke List, the 2023-2 winner, and previous champions like Sam Burns and Sergio Garcia were all above average in driving distance. That said, accuracy off the tee is also crucial; the course ranked 8th in driving accuracy last year. So, while power is a plus, players need to balance it with precision to stay in contention.

2. Greens in Regulation:

Hitting greens is one of the most important factors for success at the Country Club of Jackson. Over the last decade, nine out of eleven winners have ranked in the top ten for greens in regulation. Last year’s winner, Luke List, hit 56 of 72 greens, ranking 7th. Players who can consistently hit the green will give themselves plenty of birdie opportunities, which is essential for going low on this course.

3. Strokes Gained Tee-to-Green:

This stat combines driving distance, accuracy, and greens in regulation, making it a strong indicator of potential success. Luke List ranked 14th in this category last year, while previous winners like Sam Burns, Mackenzie Hughes, and Sergio Garcia all ranked 1st in strokes gained tee-to-green during their victories. Players who excel in this area will likely find themselves near the top of the leaderboard.

4. Putting Performance:

While ball striking is critical, putting remains a key differentiator. Luke List ranked 7th in strokes gained putting last year, and Mackenzie Hughes, the 2023-1 winner, led the field in putting. Though the greens at Jackson are not the most challenging, making putts inside 10 feet will be crucial. Players who can combine solid ball striking with a hot putter will have the best chance of winning.

5. Par Breakers & Birdie Opportunities:

Scoring low is essential at this event, with the average winning score over the last decade hovering around 19 under par. Luke List made 23 birdies to tie for the most in the field last year. Players will need to capitalize on the easier holes, especially the par-5s, which can provide crucial scoring opportunities. Birdie-making will be a premium this week, and those who can go low early and often will likely contend for the title.

Who to watch for at the Sanderson Farms Championship

Best Bets:

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