Zach Johnson Claims Fifth Win in Champions Tour Debut Season
Veteran American golfer Zach Johnson won the Sanford International on Sept. 13, 2026, at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It was his fifth victory of his debut season on the Champions Tour.
According to the Associated Press, Johnson shot a 4-under 66 in the final round to finish at 11 under par. He edged Ben Crane by one stroke to claim his fifth PGA TOUR Champions title of the season.
Back-to-Back Birdies on the Final Two Holes Seal Comeback Win
The decisive moment came on Johnson’s final two holes. He birdied the 17th and 18th in succession to create separation from Crane.
Crane also carded a 66 in the final round and stayed in contention until the end. The AP reported that he produced a dramatic finish of birdie-birdie-bogey-birdie, but he could not match Johnson’s consecutive birdies over the closing two holes.
Johnson’s Remarkable Rise Continues from His Rookie Season
Johnson became eligible for the PGA TOUR Champions after turning 50 on Feb. 24, 2026. From the start of his first season, he has consistently collected wins in major events, quickly proving that he could compete with the established stars of the senior circuit.
According to official PGA TOUR player data, Johnson had already won four times before the Sanford International. This victory completed a five-win debut season and further strengthened his position in the season money race and the Charles Schwab Cup standings.
Sanford International at a Glance
The Sanford International is a senior golf tournament conducted by PGA TOUR Champions. The 2026 event was held Sept. 11–13 at Minnehaha Country Club, which played to a par 70 at 6,747 yards.
According to official PGA TOUR tournament information, the purse was $2.2 million, with $330,000 going to the winner. The event has become a key stop on the Champions Tour, which features top golfers aged 50 and older.
Next Target: The Season-Ending Race
The victory gave Johnson even more momentum during his debut season on the Champions Tour. His ability to take control of the closing holes in tight situations could prove to be an important asset through the remainder of the season.
According to the PGA TOUR Champions schedule, the next event after the Sanford International is the PURE Insurance Championship, scheduled for Sept. 18–20. Johnson’s strong run puts him in position to contend from an even more favorable spot in the season’s final stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
By how many strokes did Zach Johnson win the Sanford International?
He defeated Ben Crane by one stroke.
How many Champions Tour wins does this give Zach Johnson?
It was his fifth victory during his debut season on the Champions Tour in 2026.
When was the Sanford International held?
It was held from Sept. 11–13, 2026, at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
What were the purse and winner’s prize at the Sanford International?
The total purse was $2.2 million, and the winner’s share was $330,000.
