Chasing History and Season Milestone
Goosen is pursuing his sixth PGA Tour Champions title in his 165th start and his second victory of the 2026 season. A triumph this weekend would secure his first multi-win campaign since joining the over-50 circuit in 2019. Reflecting on his opening round, Goosen noted that his iron play proved decisive on tricky, crusty greens swept by a persistent breeze.
“It’s been a while since I hit so many good iron shots,” Goosen told Golf Today. “Putted a few close today, which is nice for a change. Still hit a terrible one in there on 12, but I’m very happy with the round. Got off to a great start.”
Despite holding the first-round lead seven times previously on the senior circuit, Goosen has successfully converted only one of those opportunities into a victory, at the 2024 Galleri Classic. He currently stands fifth in the Charles Schwab Cup standings.
Chasing Pack Led by Green and Ridings
Australia’s Richard Green sits alone in second place after carding a bogey-free 6-under 66. The 55-year-old is searching for his second senior title in his 98th start. Meanwhile, Tag Ridings holds third place at 5-under 67 after posting a solid round, continuing a consistent run of form that includes three runner-up finishes on the tour.
A group of five players—comprising Søren Kjeldsen, David Duval, Paul Goydos, Chad Campbell, and Freddie Jacobson—are tied for fourth place at 4-under par. Veteran Bernhard Langer opened with a 3-under 69, marking the 51st time the 69-year-old Hall of Famer has shot his age or better on the PGA Tour Champions. Fred Funk withdrew from the tournament following the first round.
The Stakes in North Carolina
The SAS Championship serves as the fifth and final regular-season event in the Sprint to St. Louis. At the conclusion of play on Sunday, the top three points earners across the final five events will advance as finalists to the Stifel Charity Classic, where the highest finisher claims a $200,000 winner-take-all prize. Zach Johnson currently leads the standings ahead of Steven Alker and Vaughn Taylor.