Billy Andrade opens with 63 for big lead at Sanford International

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Daily Wrap Up

Written by Staff @ChampionsTour

Seeking his first win since 2015, 60-year-old Billy Andrade carded a bogey-free 63, which included birdies on Nos. 14-18 (his fifth through ninth holes of the day). He holds a four-stroke lead, the largest after the first round by any player since 2021, over four players including two-time defending champion Steve Stricker.

This is the largest 18-hole lead of the 2024 season on PGA TOUR Champions (4). Previous four-stroke lead after the first round on PGA TOUR Champions: Steve Stricker (2021 Kaulig Companies Championship). This is the largest 18-hole lead in the seven-year history of the Sanford International.
Matched his second-lowest 18-hole score on PGA TOUR Champions (738th round). Lowest: 62 (2014 Rogers Charity Classic, Final Round).
The 60-year-old seeks his fourth win on PGA TOUR Champions (241st start). Last win: 2015 Charles Schwab Cup Championship. Note: all three of his wins on PGA TOUR Champions were in 2015.
With a win on Sunday, he would snap a winless streak of 8 years, 10 months, 8 days (or 3,235 days) dating back to the 2015 Charles Schwab Cup Championship.
Making his 21st start of the 2024 season, he has one top-10 finish. Best finish: T6 (DICK’S Open).
Making his fifth appearance at the Sanford International, his best finish is T16 (2021).
This is his first outright lead after the first round on PGA TOUR Champions. Entered the week having co-led after the first round on four occasions.

Seeking his third consecutive win at the Sanford International, Steve Stricker opened with 3-under 67 and sits T2.. With a win on Sunday, he would become the first player in history to three-peat on both the PGA TOUR (John Deere Classic, 2009-11) and PGA TOUR Champions (Sanford International, 2022-present). It would be his fourth overall victory in the seven-year history of the Sanford International, previously winning in 2018, 2022 and 2023.. His position by round in his last six rounds at the Sanford International (chronologically): T4-Won-T1-1st-Won-T2.
Seeking his second win in four starts, Ken Tanigawa sits T2 after shooting 3-under 67. Tanigawa’s last win was the Rogers Charity Classic (August 16-18).
2024 Q-School graduates Steve Allan and Michael Wright each posted 67 and sit T2.
Charlie Wi, Harrison Frazar and Richard Green are T6 after each carding 2-under 68.
Charles Schwab Cup leader Ernie Els (T13) opened with even-par 70.
South Dakota’s Ryan Jansa (T42) shot 3-over 73.