Vijay Singh, Bernhard Langer and Steve Stricker are the first qualifiers to represent their respective teams in the inaugural playing of the World Champions Cup at Concession Club in Bradenton, Florida, December 7-10.
Think of the World Champions Cup as the Presidents Cup & Ryder Cup rolled into one event, but for PGA Tour Champions players. Three teams, Team USA, Team International and Team Europe will compete for bragging rights.
Ernie Els, Darren Clarke and Jim Furyk will serve as playing captains for their respective teams. Each team will be comprised of six competitors, all members of the PGA TOUR Champions. Popular golf commentator Peter Jacobsen will serve as the event Chairman.
“I’m looking forward to competing alongside Vijay as we look to bring home the inaugural World Champions Cup trophy for Team International,” Els said. “Having played with and against him for the better part of three decades, I know just how competitive he is, and I expect him to be just as fired up as I am to battle against Team Europe and Team USA in this truly exciting new tournament.”
“Having a player of Bernhard’s caliber gives Team Europe a significant leg up heading into the inaugural World Champions Cup,” Clarke said. “When you look at Bernhard’s level of play since joining the Champions Tour, there is no other player I’d want to be my teammate going into battle with the International and U.S. teams.”
A 12-time PGA TOUR winner, Stricker has finished top-10 in 13 major championships. Since turning 50, the Wisconsin native has won 16 PGA TOUR Champions titles, including seven senior majors. He has won five times this season and currently leads the Charles Schwab Cup Money List by a wide margin.
“Strick has been a friend of mine and a guy who I have relished competing with and against for years,” Furyk said. “Our experiences in Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups have been extremely meaningful, and getting the chance to add a new chapter to our team play experience with the World Champions Cup is something that I know we are both extremely excited for this December.”
If you plan on being in Florida in December and would like to attend the event, tickets are now on sale at www.WorldChampionsCup.com. If you can’t be there in person it is set to air on ABC and ESPN.
