The PGA TOUR Champions 2023 Ultimate Guide

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The PGA Tour Champions is my favorite golf tour. Here, what matters most is having fun, growing the game, and watching legends still tear up challenging courses years past their prime.

In this article, I’ll cover the PGA Tour Champions 2023 schedule, tour history, and fun tour facts you won’t want to miss.

I start by giving you a brief rundown on the formation of the PGA Tour Champions before touching on the courses and tournaments for 2023.

Finally, I will end by revealing the top 25 Tour Champions players to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

Don’t have time to read the full article? Click on sections to find what you need quickly!

PGA TOUR Champions collage of Jack Nicklaus, Bernhard Langer and Caddie, and Pride hitting out of a bunker.

PGA Tour Champions History

1937 – Inaugural Senior PGA Championship

The inaugural Senior PGA Championship teed off in December 1937, becoming the only competitive event for golfers over 50. Augusta National played host to the first two editions of the event before organizers moved further south to Sarasota to avoid rain delays experienced in Georgia.

Although the official formation of the PGA Tour Champions was still five decades out, this event got the wheels turning.

1978 – Liberty Mutual Legends Of Golf Success

In 1978, the first Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf tournament teed off at Onion Creek Country in the City of the Violet Crown, Austin, Texas. The event saw legends joining forces in two ball teams and battling it out against a field of golf royalty featuring Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, and Lee Trevino.

The success of the event among fans and players alike was the push needed to form the Senior PGA Tour.

1980 – Senior PGA Tour Established

Following the success of the Legends of Golf Tournament, the Senior PGA Tour was officially formed in 1980. The 1967 PGA Championship winner, Don January, topped the money list in the inaugural year, a feat he would repeat twice more, back to back in 1983 and 1984.

Miller Barber won in 1981 and 1982, making him and January the dominant forces in the early years of the Tour.

1990 – Charles Schwab Cup Formation

The Senior PGA Tour saw its first grand evolution in 1990 when it created the Charles Schwab Cup. Originally, the event was the New York Life Champions tournament before rebranding to the Senior Championship, with numerous title sponsors from 1992 to 2002.

In 2003, Charles Schwab took over as title sponsor, and the final event of the season became the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. 

From its inception in 1990 until 2015, the top 30 on the money list for the season earned an invite to a no-cut final event. However, the tour officials changed tactics in 2016 and opted for a FedEx Cup-style three-tournament playoff. 

The top 72 players on the money list gain entry to the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, and only 54 players travel to the TimberTech Championship. After round two of the playoffs, the field is cut even further, leaving us with 36 players to battle it out for the Charles Schwab Cup.

Despite the similarities to the FedEx Cup, the points system differs, and the winner of the Charles Schwab Cup will not necessarily top the money list. For example, Padraig Harrington won the Cup in 2022, but Steve Alker topped the money list.

2002 – Champions Tour Name Change

The Tour body decided to switch the tour name to a more deserving title that honored the work of its members. After carrying the name of the Senior PGA Tour for 22 years, it changed to the Champions Tour post-October 2002 and kept the brand until changing it once more in 2015.

2015 – PGA Tour Champions Name Change

Operating for 13 years under the PGA Champions Tour had seen significant growth in tournaments and prize money. However, it was decided to rebrand for the third time in the tour’s history, this time changing to the PGA Tour Champions, which is how it remains at the time of writing this.

PGA TOUR Champions Fun Facts 2023


Most PGA Tour Champions Wins
Bernhard Langer, Hale Irwin (45)
Most PGA Tour Major Wins
Bernhard Langer (11)
Oldest Player To Win On Tour
Bernhard Langer (65)
Highest Career Earnings Tour Champions 
Bernhard Langer ($34,192, 298)
Lowest Scoring Average
Steve Stricker (67.44)
Longest Driving Distance Average (yards)
Padraig Harrington (299.6)
Best Driving Accuracy
Fred Funk (88.09%)
Most Greens In Regulation
Bernhard Langer (79.01%)
Best Putting Average
Miguel Angel Jimenez (1.667)
Best Scrambler
Steve Stricker (75.34%)

What famous golfer never played in the senior tour?

LIV Golf CEO and two-time major Champion Greg Norman never played on the Senior Tour, even though he is eligible. He saw the PGA Tour Champions as “ceremonial golf” and after competing fiercely for decades, felt it did not offer the competitive edge of the main tours.

Did any golfers ever succeed on the Champions Tour without playing in the PGA Tour?

Yes, Mike Goodes succeeded on the Champions Tour without playing on the PGA Tour. In fact, Goodes only went pro when he turned 50. He has featured 282 times on the PGA Tour Champions and conjured up $6,234,722 in career earnings. Plus, he won the 2009 Allianz Championship.

Who played in the PGA tour and didn’t stand out until the Tour Champions?

Steven Alker played on the PGA Tour in 2003 but failed to retain his card. Since joining the PGA Tour Champions in 2001, the Kiwi has played in 38 events, won 6 times, finished 2nd on seven occasions, and 3rd six times. Therefore, he has finished in the top 3 in 21 of 38 outings.

How Do You Qualify For The PGA Tour Champions?

Professionals can qualify for the PGA Tour Champions through past wins on the PGA Tour. Alternatively, a top 5 finish at the previous season’s PGA Tour Champions National Qualifying tournament will get you on the tour for the year.

PGA Tour veterans can qualify if they have earned 5 PGA Tour points in their career. A single point is assigned for winning a regular tournament, while a Major counts for 3 points.

Besides becoming a full-time tour member, golfers can qualify for individual events by carding one of the four lowest scores for that week. In addition, there are sponsor exemptions and tournament invitations awarded occasionally.

PGA Tour Champions Schedule & Tournament Details

1

Mitsubishi Electric Championship

LocationKa’upulehu-Kona, Hawaii
Golf CourseHualalai Golf Course
Tournament Purse$2,000,000
DatesJan 19 – Jan 21, 2023
Defending ChampionSteve Stricker

Tournament History

Originally named the MONY Tournament of Champions, the event was played in California, Mexico, and Puerto Rico before finding a stable home in Hawaii. The inaugural tournament took off in 1984 when Orville Moody claimed a 7-stroke win over Dan Sikes.

Since then, the name has changed on eight occasions, with the current title sponsor, Mitsubishi, the longest-serving partner. The lush fairway and ocean backdrop of Haualalai golf club has hosted the senior tour since 2006.

The Kona-based golf course is a par 72 design and measures 7,117 yards off the back tees on an average day.

2

Trophy Hassan II

LocationRabat, Morocco
Golf CourseRoyal Golf Dar Es Salam
Tournament Purse$2,000,000
DatesFeb 9 – Feb 11, 2023
Defending ChampionStephen Ames

Tournament History

The Trophy Hassan II tournament is older than the PGA Tour Champions itself. The first event teed off in 1971, called the Moroccan Grand Prix, which saw Orville Moody defeat Jerry Heard by 2 strokes.

Prince Moulay Rachid hosts the event in honor of his father, Hassan II, and it is played at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. The tournament was removed from the schedule between 1986 to 1990 but returned in 1991 when Vijay Singh defeated the late Payne Stewart in a playoff.

The Royal Golf Dar Es Salam is situated on a 440-hectare estate, winding through cork oak forests, and is littered with lakes and bunkers.

3

Chubb Classic

Tiburon Golf Club
Tiburon Golf Club
LocationNaples, Florida
Golf CourseTiburon Golf Club
Tournament Purse$1,800,000
DatesFeb 17 – Feb 19, 2023
Defending ChampionBernhard Langer

Tournament History

The Chubb Classic debuted in 1988 as the Aetna Challenge and was played at The Club at Pelican Bay until 1990. My compatriot, Gary Player, won the 1988 edition. Another compatriot Harold Henning finished second in the 1989 vintage, two strokes behind Gene Littler.

The tournament has featured at 12 golf courses since its inception, with the latest change coming in 2021. The organizers switched the venue to the Tiburon Black Course, designed by Australian Greg Norman. The Tiburon Black course is a par 72 layout reaching 6,945 yards off the back tees.

4

Cologuard Classic

LocationTucson, Arizona
Golf CourseOmni Tucson National
Tournament Purse$2,200,000
DatesMar 3 – Mar 5, 2023
Defending ChampionDavid Toms

Tournament History

The Cologuard Classic is the third event on the annual calendar and is one of the newest editions of the Tour. It was launched in 2015 at the Omni Tucson National in Arizona as the Tuscon Conquistadores Classic. The name changed to its current form in 2018.

Marco Dawson is the first name on the silverware after bagging the inaugural title in 2015 by 2 strokes over Barty Bryant. The Omni Tucson National reaches 7,328 yards off the back tees with a total par rating of 73.

5

Hoag Classic

LocationNewport Beach, California
Golf CourseNewport Beach Country Club
Tournament Purse$2,000,000
DatesMar 17 – Mar 19, 2023
Defending ChampionErnie Els

Tournament History

The first tee shot in the Hoag Classic was struck in 1995, but back then was known as the Toshiba Senior Classic. The name remained in 2005 when “senior” was dropped from the title and became the Toshiba Classic. Toshiba continued as the title sponsor until 2018 when Hoag took over.

The William F. Bell designed Newport Beach Country Club is the host golf course and has set the stage for several fierce battles since its inception. Bob Murphy and Jay Sigel entered the record books in 1997 when the duo went 9 holes in a playoff before the winner was decided.

Newport Country Club is a par 72 golf course which is not as long as some on tour, measuring 6618 yards off the Championship tees.

6

The Galleri Classic

The Mission Hills Country Club
The Mission Hills Country Club
LocationRancho Mirage, California
Golf CourseMission Hills Country Club
Tournament Purse$2,200,000
DatesMar 24 – Mar 26, 2023
Defending ChampionDavid Toms

Tournament History

The Galleri Classic entered the Tour Champions fray in 2023, holding its first outing at the Dinah Shore course at the Mission Hills Country Club, Coachella Valley, California. The Par 72 golf course played 7,112 yards for the Galleri on average.

David Toms surged to victory in the inaugural version of this tournament played in 2023, beating Steven Alker by 4 shots.

7

Invited Celebrity Classic

LocationIrving, Texas
Golf CourseLas Colinas Country Club
Tournament Purse$2,000,000
DatesApr 21 – Apr 23, 2023
Defending ChampionMark Hensby

Tournament History

Las Colinas Country Club in Irving, Texas, hosted the ClubCorp Classic in 2022, adding a new event to the Tour schedule. The event name changed to the Invited Celebrity Classic after the company rebranding in 2022.

The course measures 6973 yards off the black tees, and 71 is a par score. Scott Parel from Michigan was the first to get his hands on the trophy in the 2022 edition. Mark Hensby from Australia took the second iteration of the event in 2023 with a 54-hole score of 12 under par.

8

Insperity Invitational

LocationThe Woodlands, Texas
Golf CourseThe Woodlands Country Club
Tournament Purse$2,700,000
DatesApr 28 – Apr 30, 2023
Defending ChampionStephen Alker

Tournament History

The Insperity Invitational has cemented its place as a mainstay on the annual sporting calendar in Houston. It started in 2004 as the Administaff Small Business Classic and immediately entertained us. Larry Nelson crawled his way back from 7 shots down to force a playoff with Hale Irwin.

Nelson bagged the title, and the tournament holds firm two decades on. Since Administaff changed their name in 2008, the event is now the Insperity Invitational. It was initially played at Augusta Pines, Texas, but is now hosted by The Woodlands Country Club Tournament Course.

The par 72 Tournament Course at Woodlands Country Club extends 7025 yards off the back tee. John Daly set the par 3 16th alight in the 1994 Shell Houston Open when he pured a 6 iron off the tee and drained the shot for a memorable ace.

9

Mitsubishi Electric Classic

LocationDuluth, Georgia
Golf CourseTPC Sugarloaf
Tournament Purse$2,000,000
DatesMay 5 – May 7, 2023
Defending ChampionSteve Flesch

Tournament History

The PGA Tour Champions made the Mitsubishi Electric Classic a reality in 2013. However, its original title was the Greater Gwinnett Championship. Bernhard Langer won the inaugural event in 2013 by 3 strokes over Tom Lehman and Tom Pernice Jr.

TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Georgia, has put on the spectacle since it teed off over a decade ago. The 27-hole facility was designed by “The Great White Shark,” Greg Norman. The Stables/ Meadows are the usual combination for tournament events, but it may change depending on the years.

The Meadows and Stables 18-hole combination totals 7322 yards off the back tees and is a par 72 layout.

10

Principal Charity Classic

Credit: Wakonda Club
Credit: Wakonda Club
LocationDes Moines, Iowa
Golf CourseWakonda Club
Tournament Purse$2,000,000
DatesJun 2 – Jun 4, 2023
Defending ChampionJerry Kelly

Tournament History

The Principal Charity Classic resumes regulation tour play in June after back-to-back Majors in May. Des Moines, Iowa, has welcomed professionals with open arms since the event commenced in 2001 as the Allianz Championship.

Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines hosted the inaugural showing of the Principal Charity Classic. It moved twice between 2001 and 2012 before finding solace at the Wakonda Club, which has held the Classic since 2013. Wakonda totals 6,847 yards off the back tees and is a par 72. 

Jim Thorpe won the first-ever Principal Charity Classic beating Gil Morgan by 2 strokes in 2001. Jay Haas has lifted the trophy three times, more than any of his peers.

11

American Family Insurance Championship

LocationMadison, Wisconsin
Golf CourseUniversity Ridge Golf Club
Tournament Purse$2,400,000
DatesJun 9 – Jun 11, 2023
Defending ChampionThongchai Jaidee

Tournament History

Tour Champions professionals stay in the midwest for the American Family Insurance Championship played at University Ridge Golf Club, Madison, Wisconsin. Steve Stricker is the tournament host, and 78 of the tour’s best players are penciled in on the tee sheet.

The Championship was born in 2016, and Kirk Triplett claimed a 2 shot victory over Bart Bryant and Mike Goodes. University Ridge is a par 72 Robert Trent Jones Jr design and is slightly lengthy for senior tour pros, stretching 7,259 yards. 

The front nine is relatively open, while the back nine is lined with trees and demands course management from tee to green.

12

Dick’s Sporting Goods Open

LocationEndicott, New York
Golf CourseEn-Joie Golf Club
Tournament Purse$2,100,000
DatesJun 23 – Jun 25, 2023
Defending ChampionPadraig Harrington

Tournament History

After a stint in the midwest, the tour heads east to Upstate New York, where the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open awaits. En-Joie has gracefully hosted the event since its inception in 2007, where R.W. Eaks triumphed over Bruce Vaughan by 3 strokes.

En-Joie is a 7,030-yard track off the back tees, and 72 is a par score for the round. The course was originally designed and built by local businessman George F. Johnson, but upgrades were made in 1998 and 1999. The greens transformed from flat round greens into challenging large and undulated dance floors.

13

Boeing Classic

LocationSnoqualmie, Washington
Golf CourseThe Club at Snoqualmie Ridge
Tournament Purse$2,200,000
DatesAug 11 – Aug 13, 2023
Defending ChampionMiguel Angel Jiménez

Tournament History

The Boeing Classic has become a permanent fixture on the PGA Tour Champions and Seattle sporting calendar. 2005 saw the first tee shot struck in the tournament when it was the Boeing Greater Seattle Classic.

David Eger claimed the inaugural trophy winning by 3 strokes over Tom Kite. However, in 2007, fans were treated to the largest contingent of players in a Tour Champions playoff. Seven players ended the tournament on 9 under par. Zimbabwean Denis Watson would eventually steal the show as he drained an eagle putt on the second playoff hole to bag the crown.

The Jack Nicklaus-designed Club at Snoqualmie Ridge has hosted the tournament since it launched, frequently challenging the Pros. The 7,264-yard layout with a par score of 72 suits long hitters given its wide fairways. It also treats you to spectacular mountain and water vistas.

14

Shaw Charity Classic

LocationCalgary, AB, Canada
Golf CourseCanyon Meadows G&CC
Tournament Purse$2,400,000
DatesAug 18 – Aug 20, 2023
Defending ChampionJerry Kelly

Tournament History

The Tour makes its way north to Calgary, Canada, in mid-August for the Shaw Charity Classic, a mainstay on the schedule since 2013. Although the course plays a par 72 for amateurs, they corrected the rating to a par 70 for the Shaw Charity Classic.

Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club has welcomed the tour since 2013, measuring 7,158 yards from the black tees. In addition, the course sits at 3,590 feet above sea level, adding extra yards to each shot. Rocco Mediate lifted the first trophy in 2013, obliterating the field by 7 strokes.

15

The Ally Challenge

LocationGrand Blanc, Michigan
Golf CourseWarwick Hills Golf & Country Club
Tournament Purse$2,000,000
DatesAug 25 – Aug 27, 2023
Defending ChampionSteve Stricker

Tournament History

Grand Blanc Township in Michigan is the venue for the Ally Challenge, one of the newer events on tour. The PGA Tour Champions arrived at the Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in 2018 when Paul Broadhurst became the first champion.

The 7,112-yard golf course is a par 72 layout designed by Joe Lee and is relatively long for senior tour players, and is lined with trees. This demands a combination of driving distance, fairways, and greens in regulation.

16

Ascension Charity Classic

LocationSt. Louis, Missouri
Golf CourseNorwood Hills Country Club
Tournament Purse$2,000,000
DatesSep 8 – Sep 10, 2023
Defending ChampionPadraig Harrington

Tournament History

The Ascension Charity Classic is another tournament in its infancy on tour. It teed off for the first time in 2021 when David Toms beat Dicky Pride in a playoff. The St Louis-based Norwood Hills has hosted the first two Ascension Charity Classics on their West course, which is no stranger to tournament golf.

Norwood Hills plays 6,992 yards, and 71 is considered a par score. The fairways are lined with trees and demand an accurate tee shot to attack the flag on approach. In addition, 5 lakes are scattered throughout the links and come into play for half the round.

17

Sanford International

LocationSioux Falls, South Dakota
Golf CourseMinnehaha Country Club
Tournament Purse$2,000,000
DatesSep 15 – Sep 17, 2023
Defending ChampionSteve Stricker

Tournament History

The tour returns to the Midwest in September for the Sanford International, another relatively young event. 2018 saw the Sanford International debut, and Steve Stricker showed his class to defeat Tim Petrovic and Jerry Smith by 4 shots.

Minnehaha Country Club is the host venue, littered with water hazards and tree-lined fairways. It is not the longest golf course on tour, reaching 6,530 yards off the burgundy tees, but it does demand precision to walk away with a low round.

18

Pure Insurance Championship

Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach Golf Links
LocationMonterey Peninsula, California
Golf CoursePebble Beach Golf Links
Tournament Purse$2,300,000
DatesSep 22 – Sep 24, 2023
Defending ChampionSteve Flesch

Tournament History

As we enter the back end of the season, the Tour Champions journeys to the West Coast for the Pure Insurance Championship. The famed Pebble Beach is the host venue for the event, originally titled the First Tee Open. However, organizers have changed the name on five occasions.

The Pure Insurance Championship became the official title in 2017 and has remained since. Craig Stadler lifted the cup in the inaugural event in 2004, winning by 3 strokes over Jay Haas.

19

Constellation Furyk & Friends

LocationJacksonville, FL
Golf CourseTimuquana Country Club
Tournament Purse$2,000,000
DatesOct 6 – Oct 8, 2023
Defending ChampionSteve Stricker

Tournament History

The Constellation Furyk and Friends event kicked off in 2021 as a way for the Jim and Tabitha Furyk Foundation to raise funds for at-risk children. Timuquana Country Club puts on the event, which was first won by Phil Mickelson in the 2020-21 season.

The Country Club is located a short distance from my base for two years when I was navigating the high seas. Timuquana measures 6,949 yards from the back tees and is a standard Par 72 layout. Finally, its tree-lined fairways leave little margin for error, demanding accuracy off the tee.

20

SAS Championship

LocationCary, NC
Golf CoursePrestonwood Country Club
Tournament Purse$2,100,000
DatesOct 13 – Oct 15, 2023
Defending ChampionFred Couples

Tournament History

The SAS Championship has featured on the PGA Tour Champions since 2001, played at the Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, North Carolina. Bruce Lietzke won the inaugural outing and went back to back in 2002.

The 54-hole complex opts for the Meadow and Highlands combination of courses for the SAS, playing 7,237 yards and carrying a 72-par total.

21

Dominion Energy Charity Classic

LocationRichmond, VA
Golf CourseThe Country Club of Virginia
Tournament Purse$2,200,000
DatesOct 20 – Oct 22, 2023
Defending ChampionSteven Alker

Tournament History

The Dominion Energy Charity Classic is the first playoff round for the Charles Schwab Cup. The top 72 players on the money list will be invited to the no-cut event after the SAS Championship.

The Country Club of Virginia in Richmond has hosted the event since it teed off in 2016 when Scott McCarron bagged the title. The venue is dominated by tree-lined fairways and the odd water hazard, making accuracy vital for success.

22

TimberTech Championship

LocationBoca Raton, FL
Golf CourseThe Old Course at Broken Sound
Tournament Purse$2,200,000
DatesNov 3 – Nov 5, 2023
Defending ChampionBernhard Langer

Tournament History

The top 54 golfers on the money list after the Dominion Energy Charity Classic progress down south to the TimberTech Championship. The Old Course at Broken Sound awaits its chance to test the 54 best players on tour.

Woods, lakes, wildlife, and 85 sand traps lie in anticipation as Tour pros attempt to navigate the hazards unscathed. Finally, the black tees on the old course stretch 7,034 yards, and a par total is 72 over 18 holes.

23

Charles Schwab Cup Championship

LocationPhoenix, AZ
Golf CoursePhoenix Country Club
Tournament Purse$3,000,000
DatesNov 9 – Nov 12, 2023
Defending ChampionPadraig Harrington

Tournament History

The entire season has built up to this moment, where the remaining top 36 players are the only ones invited. The tour travels to Phoenix Country Club, Arizona, for the Charles Schwab Cup Championship.

Puerto Rico, Oklahoma, and California all hosted the event before its switch to Arizona in 2014. The initial Charles Schwab Cup Championship was called the New York Life Champions played in Dorado, Puerto Rico, with Mike Hill winning the first two editions.

The parkland-styled Phoenix Country Club has hosted the cup since 2017,  measuring 6,764 yards, and it is a par 71.

5 PGA Tour Champions Major Tournaments

1

Regions Tradition

Golf Course: Greystone G&CC, Birmingham, AL
Tournament Purse: $2,500,000
Dates: May 11 – May 14, 2023

Past Champions

YearPlayerScore
2022Steve Stricker-21
2021Alex Čejka-18 (Playoff)
2020Canceled
2019Steve Stricker-18
2018Miguel Ángel Jiménez-19
2017Bernhard Langer-20

Tournament History

The Regents Tradition was first played in 1989 at the Desert Mountain Cochise course. Don Bies won the inaugural event by a shot over my compatriot Gary Player. Since 2016, the Founders Course at Greystone Golf and Country Club has remained the host venue.

It is the first major on the calendar, typically occurring in the second week of May after the Mitsubishi Electric Classic.

2

KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship

Golf Course: Fields Ranch East, Frisco, TX
Tournament Purse: $3,500,000
Dates: May 25 – May 28, 2023

Past Champions

YearPlayerScore
2022Steve Alker-16
2021Alex Čejka-8
2020Canceled
2019Ken Tanigawa-3
2018Paul Broadhurst-19
2017Bernhard Langer-18

Tournament History

Like the PGA Championship, the senior edition is hosted at a different golf course every year. However, the tournament was hosted at Dunedin Golf Club in Florida from 1945 to 1962. In addition, the PGA National Golf Club hosted the affair from 1982 to 2000.  

The 2023 edition is set down for Fields Ranch in Frisco, Texas after Steven Alker won the 2022 edition at Harbor Shores in Michigan. The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship is the oldest senior golf tournament on the calendar, with Jock Hutchinson winning the first event in 1937 on 7 over par. 

3

U.S. Senior Open

Golf Course: SentryWorld, Stevens Point, WI
Tournament Purse: $4,000,000
Dates: Jun 29 – Jul 2, 2023

Past Champions

YearPlayerScore
2022Padraig Harrington-10
2021Jim Furyk-7
2020Canceled
2019Steve Stricker-19
2018David Toms-3
2017Kenny Perry-16

Tournament History

The third PGA TOUR major of the season sees the pros vie for the coveted Francis D. Ouimet Memorial Trophy. The U.S. Senior Open is played at a different golf course every year, and 2023 is the first time the event heads to Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Fairways and greens in regulation are vital for success on this tightly guarded Robert Trent Jones Jr, Jay Blasi, and Bruce Charlton course. Winged Foot hosted the first U.S. Senior Open in 1980, and Argentine Roberto De Vicenzo claimed a 4-stroke victory.

4

Kaulig Companies Championship

Golf Course: Firestone CC, Akron, OH
Tournament Purse: $3,500,000
Dates: Jul 13 – Jul 26, 2023

Past Champions

YearPlayerScore
2022Jerry Kelly -11
2021Steve Stricker-7
2020Jerry Kelly-3
2019Retief Goosen-6
2018Vijay Singh-20 (Playoff)

Tournament History

The penultimate PGA Tour Champions major hits our screens in mid-July 2023 when the Kaulig Companies Championship returns to Firestone Country Club. The South Course or “Monster” as it is colloquially known, is the chosen track.

It measures 7,400 yards off the Championship tees and is a par 70, with only one par 5 on each nine. The course is best suited to long hitters, and Jerry Kelly will attempt to win here for the third time in four years.

The inaugural Kaulig Companies Championship went ahead in 1983 at Canterbury Golf Club in Beachwood, Ohio. Miller Barber was the first to etch his name onto the trophy defeating Gene Littler by one stroke.

5

Senior Open Championship

Golf Course: Royal Porthcawl GC, Bridgend, Wales
Tournament Purse: $2,750,000
Dates: Jul 27 – Jul 30, 2023

Past Champions

YearPlayerScore
2022Darren Clarke-10
2021Stephen Dodd-13
2020Canceled
2019Bernhard Langer-6
2018Miguel Ángel Jiménez-12

Tournament History

The Senior Open Championship returns to Royal Porthcawl, Wales, for the third time in the tournament’s history. The links design overlooks Rest Bay and covers little shelter from the elements. 

Gale-force winds and rain always remain a threat. We will see plenty of punch shots on approach and bump and runs around the dance floor. The first official Senior Open Championship was played at Turnberry in 1987 as Neil Coles walked away with a one-stroke victory.

Top 25 PGA Tour Champions Players 2023

PGA TOUR Champions - Chubb Classic 2023
PGA TOUR Champions – Chubb Classic 2023

I have compiled a list of 25 PGA Tour Champions golfers to watch out for this season. All the statistics and rankings are accurate at the time of writing this and are subject to change as the season progresses.

25. Thongchai Jaidee

Speak about consistency. The Thai legend has teed off in six tournaments finishing outside the top 25 only twice. In addition, he has impressed with his overall driving and putting performance.

24. Rod Pampling

The Australian is ranked 25th on the Official Senior World Rankings. I like his chances in 2023 because he is consistent around the green and among the top players for his one-putt streak and consecutive sand saves.

23. Fred Couples

Fred Couples is the 14th best senior male golfer on earth and ranks 3rd for bounce backs and all-around performance. He has a cool head and the ability to recover and fight back. When he is down, he is never out.

22. Matt Gogel

Matt Gogel is worth keeping an eye on this season, as he is showing early promise with his putting, sand saves, and overall scoring. His lowest round this season is 63.

21. Jim Furyk

The Team USA Captain for the 2024 President’s Cup does not have stand-out statistics at this stage of the season. However, he has three top-25 finishes in 6 starts and always has what it takes to threaten the leaderboard.

20. Justin Leonard

Justin Leonard already has 3 top-10 finishes to his name and is among the top five one-putters on tour. I like his chances this year, given his scoring and putting prowess.

19. Mike Weir

Mike Weir finished runner-up in the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at the start of the season and picked up another top 10 at the Cologuard. I like the Canadian this season for his sensational bounce-back skills, consecutive birdie streaks, and one-putt record.

18. Darren Clarke

The 2022 Senior Open Championship winner has produced two top-10 finishes and closed in the top 25 on two other occasions. Besides his scoring, Darren Clarke leads the field in eagles.

17. Brett Quigley

Quigley has achieved a top-25 result in five outings this season, elevating him to 22nd on the World Golf Rankings. In addition, the American leads the field in sand saves and is 4th for consecutive fairways hit.

16. Colin Montgomerie

Monty carries two top-10 results this season and is the top golfer on tour for consecutive fairways hit. Moreover, he ranks in the top 20 for the most consecutive greens hit.

15. Doug Barron

Barron has impressed me with his putting consistency so far this season, with an average of 1.731 putts per hole.

14. Jerry Kelly

In his first six events this season, Jerry Kelly finished inside the top 20 on five occasions. Besides his results, I like Kelly’s driving accuracy and scrambling record. 

13. Paul Stankowski

Stankowski has four top-25 finishes to his name so far this season, and I find he has an excellent approach, scrambling, and final-round performance.

12. Dicky Pride

Pride has finished in the top 10 three times in 2023. He appears comfortable in the top ten, where he ranks for total birdies and total driving.

11. Retief Goosen

My fellow countryman, Retief Goosen is strong off the tee, accurate on approach, and consistent around the green. The quiet, two-time U.S. Open Champion also tops the ranks for most consecutive birdies and is second for total eagles.

10. Bernhard Langer

Langer has dominated the PGA Tour Champions for close to 16 years and shows no signs of slowing down. He already has a win under his belt this season and has only finished outside the top 25 on one occasion.

 9. Stephen Ames

Ames has produced a mixed bag of results this season, bagging a win earlier on in Morocco and a top ten at the Insperity Invitational. The Canadian-Trinadadian has impressed me with his driving, approach, and scrambling game. However, he will need to work on his flat stick.

 8. Alex Cejka

Four top 10 finishes are credited to the German’s name this season, and he rules the roost for total birdies on tour. Alex Cejka consistently delivers accuracy and distance from tee to green.

 7. Miguel Angel Jimenez

The Spaniard’s worst return this season is a tie for 16th at the Cologuard. He is a prime example of why a solid putting game produces the goods, as he holds the best putting average and least putts per round on tour

 6. Ernie Els

The “Big Easy” has recorded four top-10 finishes this season, including a victory at the Hoag Classic. His worst finish so far is a tie for 26th on the PGA Tour Champions.

 5. Mark Hensby

Aussie Mark Hesnby captured his first win on the PGA Tour Champions in 2023 at the Invited Celebrity Classic. He has finished in the top 25 on three other occasions, leading the field in driving distance, final-round performance, and consecutive GIR.

4. Padraig Harrington

The Irish gentleman is always one to watch, showing impressive form in 2023, leading the tour in driving distance and longest drive. His greens-in-regulation record is also exceptional. Finally, Padraig Harrigton claimed a top 10 at the Valero Texas Open and has finished in the top ten in 3 of his 4 outings on the Tour Champions.

 3. Steven Alker

The New Zealander enters his third season on tour after seriously impressing in his opening campaigns. Steven Alker picked up a victory at the Insperity Invitational and has not finished worse than 11th all season.

 2. David Toms

Two wins and four additional top-25 finishes. That is how David Tom’s record reads this year, and given his driving, approach, and short-game performance, I can see why. He is a certain contender for the Charles Schwab Cup in November.

1. Steve Sticker 

Steve Stricker is the top player to watch on the PGA Tour Champions this season. Stricker took home top honors in the first tournament in 2023 and has maintained his form since. His worst finish in seven events this season is a tie for 8th place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the PGA Champions playing?

The PGA Champions play on the PGA Tour Champions, for former tour and major winners. The Tour hosts over 28 tournaments a year at different venues across North America, Europe, and Africa.

What is the difference between PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions?

The PGA Tour is for professional golfers under the age of 50. Conversely, the PGA Tour Champions is for past tour winners and major champions over 50.

What yardage does the PGA Champions Tour play?

The yardage on the Champions Tour courses plays between 6800 to 7300 yards. The yardage differs depending on the golf course and changes from one week to another.

How much do Champions Tour players make?

The 2022 PGA Champions Tour average was $299,852. Steven Alker topped the list winning $3,544,425, while Mike Balliet was at the bottom, taking home $736.

How much do caddies make on the Champions Tour?

Caddies on the Champions Tour typically take home 5 to 10% of their players’ winnings. However, each player-caddie agreement varies as there are no specific guidelines. 

Final Thoughts on the PGA Tour Champions

There you have everything you need to know about the PGA Tour Champions 2023. I have covered it all, from the history of the Tour to fun facts, schedules, and players to watch. It is evident that Bernhard Langer is a dominant force on the tour as he is tied with Hale Irwin for the most victories.

However, despite the German’s past form, Steve Stricker and David Toms are hot and making a run for the PGA Tour Champions, Charles Schwab Cup.

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AUTHOR

Matt Callcott-Stevens has lived and breathed golf since he was four. As a junior, he played competitively, until he discovered his talents were better suited to writing about the game. Matt holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing through the Johan Cruyff Institute in Barcelona and has provided golf game improvement tips to seniors and the average golfer for seven years.

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