Glen Day (bottom photo) and Boo Weekley ended the first day of the 2024 American Family Insurance Champions tied for first position ending the day at four under. They lead six players by one shot, including returning champion Steve Stricker and 2019 and 2021 winner Jerry Kelly.
“The amount of talent out here’s phenomenal and the scores are lower … This year guys have stepped it up,” said Day who will return June 8 as he continues his search for a first career victory on the PGA TOUR Champions.
Boo Weekly had a strong start with birdies on three of his first four holes as well as the No. 18. “I actually hit it real good today,” said Weekley. “So that kind of made it a lot easier when you hit it that good … and give yourself a lot of opportunities from the middle of the fairway.”
Six players ended the day -3, including Stricker and Kelly
Tournament host Stricker sought a bid for a sixth top-10 finish in his seventh American Family Insurance Championship start, opening with a 3-under 69.
Following a 1-over 37 on his outgoing nine holes, 2019 and 2021 champion Jerry Kelly reeled off five straight birdies on Nos. 11-15 to open his seventh American Family Insurance Championship in 3-under 69.
Duffy Waldorf, Thomas Bjørn, Lee Janzen and David Duval also ended the day at -3.
Other first round notes
- Coming off last week’s T3 finish at the Principal Charity Classic, his first top-10 finish on PGA TOUR Champions, David Duval opened with a 3-under 69 (T3); In two previous starts at the American Family Insurance Championship, finished T54/2022 and T45/2023.
- Seeking a third top-10 in his eighth start in the event, Duffy Waldorf offset one bogey with four birdies to open with a 3-under 69 (T3); previous top-10 finishes: 4th/2019, T8/2016.
- En route to an even-par 72 (T30), Kevin Sutherland aced the par-3 fifth hole from 198 yards; in his most recent of three previous starts at the American Family Insurance Championship, he finished T5 in 2019.
Celebrity foursome hosted by Andy North featuring Michael Phelps, Matt Ryan and Pat Connaughton
The second round of the tournament Saturday, June 8, will feature the AmFam Champ Celebrity Foursome hosted by Andy North.
Joining North, 2023 fan-favorite and most decorated Olympian in history Michael Phelps, former Atlanta Falcon quarterback Matt Ryan and NBA Champion and Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton. The group will play a 9-hole exhibition for charity starting on the 10th hole following the final grouping of tournament play.
The winning pair between North/Connaughton and Ryan/Phelps will have a $25,000 donation made in their name to the American Family Children’s Hospital. The expected tee time is 2 p.m.
Tee times for Saturday
PGA TOUR Champions notes/leaderboard
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