Mississippi has held a PGA golf tournament since 1968, but that may soon come to an end after Sanderson Farms announced it will not renew the sponsorship for next year.
Many players who have played at the Country Club of Jackson or Annednale have enjoyed their time in the Magnolia state.
Akshay Bathtia, who played in his first PGA event as a pro in 2020 at the Sanderson Farms Championship, said the city of Jackson offers a homey feel, along with the kindness of fans.
“The event and the town feel like a very wholesome family,” said the 23-year-old Bhatia, who is playing in his third Sanderson Farms Championship. “Kind of feeling like it doesn’t matter who you are, everyone supports everyone, which is really nice and really respectful. I’ve always enjoyed it.”
Brandt Snedeker, who will be making his sixth appearance at the Sanderson Farms Championships, echoed a similar sentiment, likening his time in Jackson to his upbringing in Nashville, Tennessee.
“It’s fun to be back, and I love being out (here),” Snedeker said. “Growing up in the South, getting to play a golf course like this is really, really special.”
Snedeker also noted the importance of the community turning out for the tournament.
“This is a big golfing community, and they come out in full support of us, and it’s fun to see,” he said. “Coming to markets like this, that they’re probably under-served when it comes to professional sports, you can be able to come out here and put a first-class event on is really special.”
Beau Hossler, the 2024 runner-up, also had complimentary things to say about the “Southern hospitality” offered to PGA Tour pros. And that doesn’t include the beautiful weather, a nice golf course and a good coffee shop at Native Coffee Co. in Belhaven.
“Steve Jent does an amazing job with this tournament as the tournament director,” Hossler said. “They’ve really laid it all out for the players and the caddies. (They) treat us amazing. The hospitality here is off the charts. It’s a great golf course for us. … I think pretty much everyone who plays it will give you positive reviews on it.”
Davis Riley, who is from Hattiesburg, believes hosting a PGA Tour event in the state is great for expanding the game, and being able to see family is a bonus for him.
“It’s nice that we have a couple Mississippi guys out here,” Riley said. “I know they’re in the same boat and want to win this tournament just as bad as I do. It’s nice to have an event here and represent.”
Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.
Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at treid@gannett.com and follow her on X @tiareid65.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Why PGA Tour players enjoy coming back to Sanderson Farms Championship
