Highlight Archives - Sanderson Farms Championship

By Doug Milne,
Sanderson Farms Championship Correspondent

Maya Angelou once noted, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

With 2025 serving as the final iteration of the PGA TOUR event under its current title sponsor, the Sanderson Farms Championship has, by leaps and bounds, positively impacted the feelings and even lives of all who’ve ever experienced the Jackson, Mississippi event.

The Sanderson Farms Championship has changed the lives of those who’ve won it, enhanced the lives of those who’ve worked it, volunteered for it, and saved the lives of countless via its charitable nature.

In short, the Sanderson Farms Championship will be forever highly regarded by all who’ve ever had a hand in the historic event, dating to Hattiesburg in 1986.

To illustrate the far-reaching impact it has had on people, places, and things, what follows are just a few of the countless stories from individuals who feel a deep connection to and/or because of Mississippi’s only-ever PGA TOUR event.

Kacie Lindsley

Following her 2015 graduation from Ball State University, Indianapolis native Kacie Lindsley ended up cutting her golf teeth at the Shriners Open in Las Vegas, as well as West Virginia’s Greenbrier Classic.

After deciding in the summer of 2016 that the golf industry was the fairway down which she hoped to stroll professionally, she pursued – and got – the open volunteer coordinator position at the Sanderson Farms Championship.

Lindsley moved to the area in August 2016, shortly after Sanderson Farms had signed a 10-year extension.

“I was single and on my own, fresh out of college, and didn’t know a single person here in Jackson,” Kacie said. “I had come from the Midwest to the heart of SEC country, which was quite the culture shock.”

It didn’t take Kacie long, however, to make friends…and even find the hand of the man she would marry in 2021.

“When I got this job and moved here, I was really homesick because I knew nobody,” Kacie said. “It was just me and my dog.”

Once Kacie met Eric and got engaged, those longings for home in Indiana became much more manageable, resulting in an even stronger commitment to her job at the Sanderson Farms Championship.

To help sweeten the pot, Kacie learned of a “little piece of home” right here at The Country Club of Jackson.

“Not many people know that our Executive Director, Steve Jent, is also from Indianapolis,” she said. “In fact, his parents and my grandparents taught at the same high school.”

In addition, Jent lived less than a mile away from where Kacie grew up.

“Steve is such a wonderful person, boss, and friend, who really made being here and working for the Sanderson Farms Championship feel a little more like being home,” she said. “Not to mention Wayne-Sanderson Farms being such a great title sponsor.”

She found the combined graces of Century Club Charities, Wayne-Sanderson Farms, and Jent to combine for a product that made anything possible.

“None of this would’ve ever been possible without Century Club Charities and the support from all the members. They have been such an incredible host organization,” Kacie said. “I echo the comments Steve made every year about Wayne-Sanderson Farms in that they are the greatest title sponsor on the PGA TOUR. They could not have been more amazing to us. I can easily speak on behalf of every volunteer in that they have loved and appreciated all that Wayne-Sanderson Farms brought to the table and allowed us to do over the years.”

Kacie’s passion for her work environment even reached her parents back home in Indianapolis, who have come each of the last five years to volunteer their time and energy for the event.

“I am just amazed every year by how willing and helpful the volunteers are to give of their time and money to help manage the event, raise money, and maintain a fluid operation across all levels. I tell them all the time that I couldn’t have done my job without them. They have all been so amazing, and quite a number of them have become friends of mine that I will forever stay in touch with.”

Clay Neely

PGA TOUR Senior Referee Clay Neely grew up 30 miles from Jackson and volunteered at the event decades ago as a youngster when it was held at Annandale Golf Club in Madison as the Deposit Guaranty Classic.

“I started as a standard bearer in the early ‘90s when I was only 12 or 13 years old,” Neely said. “Those remain really great memories, and I credit this tournament for getting me interested in golf.”

In fact, Neely would go on to play two years of junior college golf here at Holmes Community College before moving on to Ole Miss.

“The impact this event has had – not only locally, but statewide – is unbelievable,” Neely said. “Last year alone, the Sanderson Farms Championship delivered nearly $2 million to area charities. Much of that went to Children’s of Mississippi, which, as the state’s only children’s hospital, touched every corner of the state. This event also had a positive impact on many smaller charities, such as First Tee of Central Mississippi. It’s amazing to think of the impact these donations can have for some of these charities in the state.”

Like Lindsley, Neely understands the value of Century Club Charities with the utmost respect.

“The Century Club is an outstanding group of people to be associated with,” he said. “The marriage of those two entities – Century Club Charities and Wayne-Sanderson Farms – to get this event here at The Country Club of Jackson has been nothing short of fantastic. The impact those local leaders make by pushing those charity dollars out has been terrific.”

Like Lindsley’s story, Neely’s involvement with the Sanderson Farms Championship has been a family affair, as his father-in-law, Tom Rice, was the head of walking scorers for the event for more than three decades before he passed this past summer. As a show of love and support, Jent and his Sanderson Farms Championship team created the Tom Rice Volunteer Center.

“We were lucky enough to present it to him in June, before his passing,” Neely said. “So, he was able to see his name displayed on the volunteer center sign. He could not have been happier and prouder. He meant a great deal to all the volunteers here over the years. He was a special man who loved what he did out here for this special event.”

Davis Riley

“Wayne-Sanderson Farms has done a really good job over the course of their title sponsorship,” said Hattiesburg native and two-time PGA TOUR champion Davis Riley. “This is one of my favorite events on the calendar, and being so close to home is a bonus. But, beyond that, any TOUR player who has been here will agree that it’s a first-class tournament and one of their favorites all year.”

The Country Club of Jackson gave Riley his first taste of high school golf as a 13-year-old who “could hardly hit it out of my shadow.”

“This has been one of the best run tournaments year after year,” Riley said. “It’s a testimony to Wayne-Sanderson Farms, Century Club Charities, and Steve Jent to see how well they operate. Everyone involved is very player-friendly and always asking for feedback to try to improve. The event is really good for this area, which is always hungry for good golf.”

Peter Malnati

In addition to Rice, the 2015 Sanderson Farms Championship winner, Peter Malnati, will forever hold the Sanderson Farms Championship in a special place in his heart.

Following a 2013-14 rookie season on TOUR defined by few made cuts, Malnati returned the following season with uncertainty as to how, or even if, he would maintain his position as a PGA TOUR member.

“When I got my card back for the 2015-16 season, Sanderson Farms Championship was my second start of that season,” Malnati said. “I was still battling questions of whether I even belonged out here on TOUR. So, in practical matters, the win here gave me at least three more seasons on TOUR. But, more importantly, because of that first TOUR win here, I realized I’d be a member of this TOUR for the rest of my life. That was just amazing, and it absolutely changed my life, as well as the lives of my family.”

While every detail of that maiden TOUR win will forever remain in his heart and mind, it was something Joe Sanderson told Malnati after his victory that resonated even brighter.

“Joe told me he didn’t need television coverage of the event to help him sell chicken, but that he instead wanted to have the event here to do some good for Friends of Children’s Hospital,” Malnati recalled. “Just knowing where his priorities were and why this mattered so much to him was really special. Joe Sanderson really liked this event and wanted it to be right here because he saw how much good it did for his home state. That felt really, really good to hear.”

Four individuals…unique to each other, with one exception. While their pasts and journeys all unraveled independently of one another, Kacie, Clay, Davis, and Peter are now inextricably linked and represented by one common factor: the way the Sanderson Farms Championship made each of them feel. It’s a remarkable feeling that has also transcended to countless other individuals, families, and organizations.

By Doug Milne,
Sanderson Farms Championship Correspondent

My first real memory of the Sanderson Farms Championship dates to before I even arrived on site for the first time. And, to say it left me with unpleasant feelings about the event is, well, a bit of an understatement.

Not to worry, though. It took no time at all once I got on site for that negative attitude to make a full turn.

In 2011, as a Media Official for the PGA TOUR on site at most TOUR events, I was scheduled to fly from the John Deere Classic in Moline, Illinois, to my first Sanderson Farms Championship at Annandale Golf Club in Madison. Protocol for Media Officials has always been to book flights for the year early, once schedules were established.

I did just that. I have, however, been known to overlook a few details on occasion. Once my flight from the Quad Cities boarded for Madison that Monday morning, I sat back and relaxed on the plane. I was so relaxed, in fact, that I fell asleep and didn’t wake up until hearing the flight attendant announce our final descent into the airport. It felt like no time had passed, which pleased me greatly.

It wasn’t until I was walking through the airport that I realized my disaster of a mistake. It required an immediate call to my supervisor.

“Joel, I’ve got good news, and I’ve got bad news,” I started. “The good news is that I’m in Madison. The bad news is that I’m in Madison…Wisconsin.”

I determined the origin of the mistake to be when I was booking my flights for the season. With the 2011 event here being my first time in the area, I assumed “Madison” was the airport into which I would travel. Unaware that Madison did not have its own airport, I deduced that I had foolishly (and, clearly, without paying attention) booked the flight for the “other” Madison.

Silly me.

Although it cost me time, money, and confidence, I successfully arrived in Jackson, Miss., that night. I was irritated and embarrassed, determined that the 2011 event would be – by my own choice – my first and LAST Sanderson Farms Championship.

Now, I realize this sounds dramatic, but what happened next – and throughout the week – changed that mindset. As opposed to there being one thing that won me over with the event, it was a host of things all week long, at every turn, that not only softened the edges of my invective but won my heart over entirely.

Every year since then, the Sanderson Farms Championship has built on that appreciation, respect, and love. The winner of that 2011 event at Annandale was Chris Kirk, a dear friend of mine. The following year, another buddy, Scott Stallings, took top honors. Not only did those two victories change the lives of the two winners for the better, but I also saw the event enhance and bring tremendous joy to the lives of everyone associated with it. From volunteers and Club staff to local businesses and fans, I began to realize that Mississippi’s only major-league professional sporting event wasn’t just a week-long escape from reality, as is the case at many events. The event was a part of the fabric of the community and state all year long.

While winners of the Sanderson Farms Championship, such as Kirk and Stallings, certainly gave credibility to the event, it was Executive Director Steve Jent who, beginning with the 2014 tournament, provided grounding and fluidity to the event. There was also the bigger and broader financial reach to individuals and organizations in need of a helping hand.

Largely credited for making that all possible was, certainly, Century Club Charities, but also the title sponsorship assumed proudly in 2013 by Mississippi-based Sanderson Farms.

Since that 2014 event, won by Nick Taylor, Steve has fully embraced – and been embraced by – every individual and organization in and around the state of Mississippi. Working hand-in-hand with host organization Century Club Charities, a not-for-profit organization of local businessmen and women, the annual event has raised nearly $30 million for Children’s of Mississippi and numerous other Mississippi charities.

Having worked on site at upwards of 800 PGA TOUR-sanctioned events between 1991 and 2024, I know a real deal when I see one. I know the difference between those who check obligatory boxes versus the heart-driven ones who go above and beyond every expectation because it’s what they want and feel the need to do.

Steve Jent is the poster boy for the latter category.

Sure, he works hard and makes outstanding strides because, like us all, he needs to keep a job. But the factor that distinguishes him from others is that Steve wants to do a great job. And, he has done that – across every level – better than most.

When Peter Malnati won the 2015 Sanderson Farms Championship in Steve’s second year as Executive Director, it set into motion a friendship between Peter and me that remains unbreakable and stronger than ever to this day.

Given the nature of his character as a person, another lifelong friendship between Steve and myself also developed. Early on, I respected Steve for the outstanding job he did as Executive Director and looked forward to spending a full week each year with him on site at The Country Club of Jackson.

It didn’t take long before that professional-only respect for one another gave way to a friendship that grew stronger by the day, complete with long talks on the phone, regular check-ups, and even the comparing of our workouts. In case anyone hasn’t noticed, Steve looks – and is – healthier and more fit in his 60s than he was in his 20s. I, a 57-year-old, am proud to make a similar claim. That made for highly entertaining and informative chats.

Beyond the impact Steve had on me, both personally and professionally, I couldn’t help but watch him in action at each Sanderson Farms Championship I was fortunate enough to be a part of. Whether it was a CCJ cart cleaner, shuttle volunteer, or the winner of the event, Steve had the unique ability to make every man, woman, and child feel special, significant, and, best of all, wanted.

He continues to live the same way today, and we’re all better, more confident people because of it.

Since exact numbers of on-site galleries and telecast audiences can be tricky to pinpoint at TOUR-sanctioned events, true values can be hard to determine. But, with the passion Steve’s team, Century Club Charities, and Wayne-Sanderson Farms put into each year’s event, the most heartwarming measure of success became apparent through the volume of love and support that came from the hearts of all who’ve ever, in any way, had a hand in the Sanderson Farms Championship.

Late last year, after learning that my time at the TOUR was coming to an end after 33 years, Steve was one of the first people I wanted to call. With the tough news I gave him, he did what he does best. His unwavering support towards the well-being of all people resulted in him telling – not asking – me that his beloved Sanderson Farms Championship would not be the same without me on site working it. He hired me for the week, which gave a tremendous boost to my confidence and, yes, my bank account.

That brings me to the here and now…on site and in the Sanderson Farms Championship Media Center.

Following 12 years of exceptional success across countless levels, Wayne-Sanderson Farms is hosting its final event as the tournament’s title sponsor. Even with the search on in full force to find another company to take the reins, the reality is that the fate of the event, now completing its 58th year, remains up in the air.

I know Steve is very much in the business mix with the PGA TOUR and Century Club Charities, trying to find that next sponsor and keep the event going long into the future. I imagine it has resulted in some long days and sleepless nights for all involved. But Steve’s a smart and savvy businessman who finds no value in negative thoughts. His primary inspiration is both pure and apparent. Less about himself, Steve is infinitely more interested in continuing to help foster growth, health, and happiness within his adopted home state of Mississippi.

With the sincerity of that determination unquestioned, the only thing more graceful and comforting to me than knowing I’ve forever got a true and dear friend in him is knowing how many others in and beyond the state of Mississippi feel the same way.

A comment my late grandmother used to leave me with at the end of my visits to her is one I wholeheartedly extend to Steve: “I love you and I like you.” The only thing I’d add to that is that I – we – are also all better people because of him.

I’ve also got to admit that I’m rather glad he wasn’t around for my little detour to Madison, Wisconsin, in 2011. One to find great pleasure in a good laugh, he would’ve never let me live that one down.

By Doug Milne,
Sanderson Farms Championship Correspondent

Late Wednesday afternoon at The Country Club of Jackson, as the sun was dropping below the trees, a collective, enthusiastic spirit was soaring into the sky.

Once again this year, the Sanderson Farms Championship and Tesori Family Foundation collaborated on the always-entertaining “All-Star Kids Clinic.”

Open to children between the ages of eight and 21 living with special needs, the clinic offers opportunities for them to try golf. For many, it’s their first time.

“This is an opportunity for those here today to learn something new, and also a way for us to come to the community to let them see our friends with disabilities,” said Elizabeth Nenon, Development Director for YoungLife Capernaum, which ministers to special needs kids. “We’ve been doing this out here at the Sanderson Farms Championship for a number of years and have had many of the kids return.”

After wowing the enthusiastic contingent of onlookers with a series of full-swing, long-iron shots, PGA TOUR players Harrison Endycott, Gordon Sargent, and Tim Widing were divided among the three stations set up for the kids to pass through.

The groups made stops at stations for driving, chipping, and putting.

“When we coined the term All-Star Kids Clinic, it was so they could be treated like all-stars,” said Paul Tesori, longtime caddie for Webb Simpson. “We fully understand there’s nothing wrong or broken within. They have different challenges than the rest of us. And, we all have our own challenges.”

Despite those different challenges, the overriding goal of these clinics is to instill feelings of inclusion. That is at the heart of what Paul and Michelle Tesori envisioned when they launched the first clinic 12 years ago.

The couple’s Foundation launched in 2009 and was focused locally in Jacksonville, Florida, on senior citizens. When the couple’s son, Isaiah, was born with Down Syndrome in 2014, Paul and Michelle added the special needs kids clinics to their operation.

“About these All-Star Kids Clinics, I like to say it’s the event that allows me to give back to a game that has given me everything, including a family – that being the special needs community,” said Paul.

The Tesori Family Foundation hosts similar clinics in several states, creating more opportunities for children with special needs to experience joy, connection, and confidence through sports.

“With what they did today, Steve Jent and the Sanderson Farms Championship became the first ones to have fully taken one over, run the entire thing, and do it all,” Paul said. “That was our dream when we started this, and today’s clinic at the Sanderson Farms Championship was wildly successful. We couldn’t be happier.”

Neither could a large group of remarkable kids who kept their spirits up as the sun went down.

By Doug Milne,
Sanderson Farms Championship Correspondent

While Mondays during a PGA TOUR season typically serve as travel days for many players to make their way from one event to the next, this week’s Sanderson Farms Championship Monday served as anything but business as usual.

In addition to the Sanderson Farms Championship’s loyal and unwavering support of First Tee Central Mississippi on a financial level, on Monday at The Country Club of Jackson, the event featured a First Tee clinic that delivered instruction, fun and – best of all – confidence to the chapter’s contingent of big dreamers.

With upwards of 100 First Tee kids from 47 Central Mississippi partnering schools on site for the morning outing, those hopes and dreams soared in as many different directions as balls the little whippersnappers had the opportunity to hit.

“I can’t emphasize enough how many doors the game of golf opened for me,” said Brooks Baldwin, a 15-year long-drive driving professional, now working for Club Car within the industry and regular provider of First Tee instruction. “I grew up in Mississippi and have to say that without this game, I wouldn’t have ever gotten as far as I have. These First Tee kids out here today are learning about integrity, companionship and how to compete. The game of golf teaches all the important facets of life.”

“For these kids to have the chance to be out here for this at the Sanderson Farms Championship this week will hopefully get their attention and entice them to keep playing as they get older,” said Greg Biggs, First Tee Central Mississippi Golf Coach.

Following an attention-getting long-drive demonstration by Baldwin, which included everything from teeing off on his knees to hitting a drive through a watermelon, First Tee participants had the unique opportunity to run the gamut of shots required via different practice stations.

“It’s nothing short of inspiring to see and hear the levels of excitement this event brings to the hearts and minds of kids who attend this clinic each year at the Sanderson Farms Championship,” said Margo Coleman, Executive Director, First Tee Central Mississippi. “We have First Tee schools that come out to the Sanderson Farms Championship for a field trip each year, where they get to experience the tournament from an ‘inside the ropes’ perspective.”

Coleman has been in her position with First Tee since 2019, following a nearly two-decade long career with the Mississippi Golf Association. There are 47 schools in Central Mississippi which partner with the First Tee program.

“This kind of thing here today at the Sanderson Farms Championship is my favorite thing to do,” Baldwin said. “It is so fun to see the kids get so engaged with – and excited about – golf, as well as just being outside and doing things they’ve never had the chance to do before. These kids will absolutely go home, tell their parents all about being out here today, seeing the pros and getting to hit balls. It’s just so fun and heartwarming to see all the smiles on their faces out here for this special morning.”

“We are just so grateful for this event,” Biggs added. “The Sanderson Farms Championship helps us with funding, which we are so thankful for. This tournament has done so much for junior golf, and we are so, so grateful for it. The Sanderson Farms Championship has done so much for us….it’s as simple as that.”

In addition to a clinic from long-drive champion Brooks Baldwin, the kids had First Tee activity stations, where they got to experience full swing practice, complete with chipping and putting stations.

“What the Sanderson Farms Championship does with things like this is absolutely amazing, because we just don’t have a golf background in our family,” said Rachael Shotts, mother of First Tee Central Mississippi member, Christian Shoots. “We just wouldn’t get to see this part of life and the world if it wasn’t for programs like First Tee and events like the Sanderson Farms Championship.”

And, now, because of First Tee Central Mississippi and the support it receives from the Sanderson Farms Championship, Christian may very well one day be one of those TOUR members making his way from one event to the next.

Military, veterans, first responders, and 911 dispatchers are eligible for four free tickets each day from Thursday to Sunday.

Embrace the excitement of the 2025 Sanderson Farms Championship at The Country Club of Jackson, happening from September 29 to October 5.

Secure your mobile tickets now via the ticket link at the Sanderson Farms Championship website to enjoy all the tournament has to offer.

In a continued gesture of appreciation, military personnel and first responders will receive complimentary admission each day of the 2025 tournament. By submitting their official identification online, eligible individuals can access four free mobile Daily Grounds Tickets through the Sanderson Farms Championship or by setting up an account through Spinzo.

Be sure to visit The Outpost, an open-air hospitality pavilion located on the 10th Green, open from Thursday, October 2, to Sunday, October 5. The Outpost welcomes members of Mississippi’s military and first responder communities—including active-duty, reserve, and retired service members, veterans, fire, police, emergency personnel, and 911 dispatchers—to gather and enjoy the tournament in a dedicated space.

Fans are also invited to attend the Lyle Machinery Pro-Am on Wednesday, October 1. The event is open to the public at no cost, with a mobile ticket required. Convenient spectator parking and shuttle service will be provided at Northpark in Ridgeland. Accessible parking is also available behind Christ United on Old Canton Road in Jackson.

For questions or help purchasing mobile tickets, please contact the Sanderson Farms Championship office at 601-898-4653.

Kevin Yu triumphed in the final round of the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship, securing his first PGA TOUR victory with a spectacular performance at The Country Club of Jackson.

Yu clinched the title with a 15-foot birdie on the 18th hole, concluding with a 5-under 67. He then outperformed Beau Hossler in a playoff, sinking a 6-foot birdie to seal his win at the Sanderson Farms Championship on Sunday.

Initially overshadowed in a final round dominated by the duel between Hossler and Keith Mitchell, the 26-year-old from Chinese Taipei surged ahead with a crucial birdie, tying for the lead.

“It’s literally a dream come true,” Yu shared. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was 5. I think this is the dream for all the golfers, to win on the PGA TOUR,” said Yu. “And then I did it today, and I’m really thankful for my parents right now. Without them, I don’t think I could’ve done this.”

“What an amazing week it has been for everyone, including our fans, our title sponsor, Wayne-Sanderson Farms, our tournament sponsors, and especially Kevin,” said Steve Jent, executive director of the Sanderson Farms Championship. “I am confident we will be able to make a significant impact to our community. We look forward to seeing everyone back in 2025 and will announce our new dates in the upcoming weeks.”

In a continued commitment to the event, Wayne-Sanderson Farms confirmed their title sponsorship through the 2025 tournament, extending their support beyond the previously announced conclusion this year.

The Sanderson Farms Championship primarily benefits Children’s of Mississippi, the state’s only children’s hospital, alongside over 70 other Mississippi charities. The total funds raised by the 2024 tournament will be announced later this year.

Century Club Charities continues to support Mississippi charities, today announcing a $1 million donation to Friends of Children’s Hospital from proceeds of the 2023 Sanderson Farms Championship.At a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Century Club Charities presented the $1,000,000 check to Friends of Children’s Hospital (FOCH), a fundraising organization dedicated to supporting the University of Mississippi Medical Center‘s pediatric health care mission, including the state’s only children’s hospital. The $1 million gift, coupled with over $500,000 to other Mississippi charities, takes the 2023 total charitable impact of Century Club Charities to over $1.5 million statewide.

“Through the efforts of our amazing Tournament Partners and Sponsors, especially our Title Sponsor, Wayne-Sanderson Farms, as well as the Century Club Charities members, board, and staff; tournament volunteers, The Country Club of Jackson, and the PGA TOUR, the 2023 Sanderson Farms Championship allowed us to once again make a substantial gift to Mississippi charities,” stated Phillip Carpenter, President of Century Club Charities, Inc. “We were very excited to host a first-class event, and all the excitement fans have come to expect, and that support allowed us to reach lofty goals when Children’s of Mississippi and other statewide charities are in great need.”

Since Sanderson Farms, Inc., now Wayne-Sanderson Farms, became the Title Sponsor in 2013, the tournament and Century Club Charities have contributed over $17.2 million to Friends of Children’s Hospital and other Mississippi charities. Since 1994, Century Club Charities has raised more than $24.5 million for Mississippi charities.

Children’s of Mississippi, which includes the children’s hospital and clinics around the state, care for nearly 200,000 children a year.

Kristin Allen, Friends of Children’s Hospital board chairman, said Century Club Charities makes Friends’ mission to support the children’s hospital possible. Funds from the Sanderson Farms Championship help provide state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for Children’s of Mississippi, which is now working toward updating the hospital’s Batson Tower, which opened in 1997.

“Through this successful fundraiser, the premier event in Mississippi, Century Club Charities has provided immeasurable support to Children’s of Mississippi. Over the years, their generosity has helped us fulfill our mission to serve Mississippi’s sick and injured children,” Allen said. “On behalf of Mississippi’s youngest patients, thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to improving the health of the state – one child at a time.”

Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine at UMMC, thanked Century Club Charities, Friends of Children’s Hospital, and Wayne-Sanderson Farms for continuing to make the annual event possible.

“Century Club Charities and the Sanderson Farms Championship have proven their commitment to children’s health care yet again,” Woodward said. “The millions of dollars raised through the Sanderson Farms Championship provide invaluable support of world-class health care close to home for Mississippi’s families. We are so grateful for this ongoing contribution.”
Steve Jent, Sanderson Farms Championship executive director, thanked the many volunteers and fans who support the tournament each year.

“We are thankful to celebrate the results from another great tournament,” said Jent. “The continued support of Wayne-Sanderson Farms, our tournament sponsors, Century Club members, and our fan base – along with the hard work of our volunteers and staff – has allowed us to create another special year for our charities.”

“On behalf of Wayne-Sanderson Farms, I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all of the sponsors, players, volunteers, and fans who made this tournament possible,” said Pic Billingsley, SVP and GM of Retail, Wayne-Sanderson Farms, Inc. “Through the generosity of their time and resources, the Children’s Hospital, along with nearly 70 other charities across Mississippi, will benefit greatly from the Sanderson Farms Championship.”

“We are committed to continuing our partnership with UMMC and positively impacting our community,” continued Billingsley. “We believe that through the power of partnerships, we can achieve great things and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
The 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship is set for September 30 – October 6 at The Country Club of Jackson.


In a nail-biting finish, Luke List emerged victorious at the Sanderson Farms Championship on Sunday, clinching the title in a 5-man playoff at The Country Club of Jackson.

The 2023 Sanderson Farms Championship saw a leaderboard as tight as they come, but when the dust settled, it was List who stood tall, showcasing his fortitude and skill.

After four rounds of intense competition, five players found themselves tied at the top, marking the most significant playoff on the TOUR since the six-player showdown at the 2021 Wyndham Championship, which Kevin Kisner won.

Luke List, with a final round of 70, sank a birdie putt from just inside 45 feet on the first sudden-death playoff hole, the par-4 18th. This remarkable shot secured his second PGA TOUR victory, reminiscent of his maiden win at the 2022 Farmers Insurance Open, where he bested Will Zalatoris in a playoff.

Ben Griffin, Henrik Norlander, Scott Stallings, and Ludvig Aberg, who all participated in the playoff, finished tied for second place. Mark Hubbard, Carl Yuan, and Christian Bezuidenhout narrowly missed the playoff, finishing tied for sixth.

“This was a tremendous week for our fans,” said Steve Jent, executive director of the Sanderson Farms Championship. “The five-player playoff was a thrilling way to cap it off and we’re excited to add Luke’s name to our list of champions!”

“I can’t say enough about what a great job all of the Sanderson Farms Championship team has done this week, the golf course is unbelievable, the hospitality is amazing, and the people are so friendly,” said List.

Fans and golf enthusiasts can now mark their calendars for the 2024 Sanderson Farms Championship, scheduled from September 30 to October 6, 2024, as announced by J. Clinton (Clint) Rivers, Wayne-Sanderson Farms President and Chief Executive Officer.

The main benefactor of the Sanderson Farms Championship is Children’s of Mississippi, the state’s only children’s hospital. The tournament also donates a portion of the proceeds to over 60 additional Mississippi charities.

The total amount raised by the 2023 tournament will be announced in the coming months.

The Sanderson Farms Championship announced today that Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company is back for the fourth consecutive year as a Tournament Partner and Official Volunteer Sponsor for the upcoming PGA TOUR event. The Sanderson Farms Championship will be held at The Country Club of Jackson, October 2-8, 2023.

“Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company is thrilled to continue our Tournament Partnership with the Sanderson Farms Championship,” said Will Waldrop, Senior VP Marketing, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. “As the Championship’s Official Volunteer Sponsor, our employees will welcome the hands-on opportunity to make a difference for Mississippi charities and our children in need.”

Since 1994, Century Club Charities has served as the host organization for the event that in 2022 alone, created a charitable impact of over $1.5 million for Mississippi charities. In its 56th year, Mississippi’s largest professional sporting event has raised over $23 million for Mississippi charities.

The Sanderson Farms Championship needs 1,000+ volunteers each year to serve in various positions. Many statewide companies provide many of the tournament’s volunteers by sponsoring their employees as volunteer groups. Individual volunteer opportunities are available for those 15 and older. Those interested are encouraged to sign up early to reserve a spot on their preferred committee.

For details of each position, please click here: Volunteer Opportunities. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please call the Championship office at 601.898.4653 or email kacie@sandersonfarmschampionship.com.

Erin Brockovich, a modern-day hero renowned for her tenacious battle against powerful corporations, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker at the 2023 Sanderson Farms Championship’s Women’s Day luncheon.

Scheduled to take place at The Country Club of Jackson, MS on Tuesday, October 3, Brockovich will share her experiences seeking justice for victims of environmental wrongdoing. International Paper returns as presenting sponsor for the popular event, now in its ninth year.

“We are extremely grateful to International Paper for their ongoing commitment to the Women’s Day Luncheon,” said Steve Jent, the tournament’s executive director. “Their generous support has enabled us to make this event more extraordinary each year, establishing it as one of the premier women-centric events on the PGA TOUR. We thank them for their continued commitment as a Tournament Partner.”

“At International Paper, we believe an inclusive and collaborative workplace where all employees are included, valued, and treated with dignity and respect is fundamental to our future success. Women in IP Mentoring Board is one way that International Paper brings together women to promote awareness, support development and encourage collaboration,” said Mandi Gilliland, Regional General Manager and Women in IP Sponsor. “International Paper is proud to return as presenting sponsor of the Sanderson Farms Championship Women’s Day luncheon.”

Brockovich first rose to international fame in 2000 when Julia Roberts starred in the lead role of the Oscar-winning drama “Erin Brockovich,” depicting her tireless efforts that led to the largest medical settlement lawsuit in history. It was while working as a legal researcher at Masry & Vititoe Law Firm in California, that she discovered medical records indicating that Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) had been contaminating the town of Hinkley’s water supply with Chromium 6 for over 30 years. Through sheer determination and grit, Brockovich was instrumental in bringing PG&E down and forcing them to pay out a staggering $333 million dollars in settlements to more than 600 Hinkley residents who had been affected by their toxic pollution.

Such is the power of Erin Brockovich’s story that it has inspired people around the world to believe in themselves and make a difference. In addition to being featured on television shows and creating an autobiographical book, New York Times Bestseller “Take It From Me: Life’s A Struggle But You Can Win,” she has gone on to write two fiction novels, “Rock Bottom” and “Hot Water.” Her latest release, “Superman’s Not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We the People Can Do About It,” drew wide media attention before its publication. Her inspiring stories are examples of what can be accomplished when individuals take action and fight back against powerful entities that are harming people or communities.

As President of Brockovich Research & Consulting, Brockovich is currently involved in numerous environmental projects worldwide. She has requests for her help in ground water contamination complaints in every state of the U.S., Australia, and other international hotspots. She is currently working on cases in California, Texas, Florida, Michigan, Illinois, and Missouri.

For more information on how to purchase a Women’s Day luncheon table, please call the Sanderson Farms Championship office at 601.898.4653 or email Erin Kiker at erin@sandersonfarmschampionship.com.