KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. -- Famous for hosting the 'War by the Shore' (aka the 1991 Ryder Cup) the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island will host the Champions Tour's first major this week, the Senior PGA Championship. Nine people who took part in the 'War' will tee it up this week on the Ocean Course. Dave Stockton captained the U.S. squad to victory in 1991 and will make his 14th appearance in this event.
Also teeing it up this week from the American team are Chip Beck, Raymond Floyd, Hale Irwin, Wayne Levi, Mark O'Meara and Lanny Wadkins, while the European squad will be represented by Mark James and Sam Torrance. Seve Ballesteros was entered, but withdrew Tuesday.
There are 10 former Ryder Cup captains participating this week -- Ben Crenshaw, Floyd, Tony Jacklin, James, Tom Kite, Stockton, Curtis Strange, Torrance, Wadkins and Tom Watson.
Last year, Jay Haas needed three playoff holes to best Brad Bryant at Oak Tree and claim his first major championship crown. Haas closed with a 3-under 68 to join Bryant at 5-under 279.
The duo returned to the 18th, where Bryant got up and down for par while Haas two-putted for his par. At the second extra hole, No. 1, Bryant had 12 feet for birdie and the win, but missed and the two headed back to the 18th for the third extra hole, where Haas earned the win.
Started in 1937, this is the oldest championship in senior golf. The field this week includes 23 players who have won major championships.
Next week, the Champions Tour heads to Florida for the Boeing Championship at Sandestin, where Bobby Wadkins won last year.
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