Final Field Set for SAS Championship

Local pro Neal Lancaster to make Champions Tour debut

CARY, N.C. (SEPTMEBER 28, 2012) – As another historic finish is setting up for this week’s Ryder Cup, SAS Championship tournament officials are pleased to announced the final field for next weekend’s Champions Tour event at Prestonwood Country Club. Former U.S. Captains Corey Pavin, Hal Sutton and Curtis Strange join 2004 European team captain Bernhard Langer in the chase for the SAS Championship title.

“On the heels of what is sure to be another epic Ryder Cup, we’re very happy to announce our final field which includes 24 players who have represented the U.S. and European teams,” Tournament Director Jeff Kleiber said. “Having this level of talent in the Triangle will be a great experience for any sports fan with the great hospitality at the Eagles’ Nest on 17 green and the free admission to all spectators to the Michelob Ultra 19th Hole.”

Other competitors include six of the top-10 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings with Langer, Roger Chapman and Michael Allen all chasing valuable Cup points available next week in the SAS Championship as one of the final three events leading up to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship.

Additional field highlights include recent World Golf Hall of Fame inductee Sandy Lyle and Tour favorites Hale Irwin, Craig Stadler and Fuzzy Zoeller.

Five sponsor exemptions have also been announced including Smithfield native Neal Lancaster, who won the 1994 Byron Nelson Classic. Lancaster played for fifteen years on the PGA TOUR, averaging 30 events a year, and following his 50th birthday on September 13 he will make his Champions Tour debut at Prestonwood.

Other exemptions include former Raleigh resident Bobby Clampett , Davis Love’s Ryder Cup Assistant Captain Mike Hulbert, John Harris, and 1995 U.S. Open champion Steve Jones. Jones has captured four top-25 finishes on the Champions Tour this year.

Tom Pernice Jr., Nick Price and Tom Kite, all previously committed to the event, have unfortunately had to withdraw. Pernice and Price had been battling injuries of late and Kite withdrew due to family concerns. 

Tickets are currently on sale for the 2012 SAS Championship presented by Bloomberg Business, including the Eagles’ Nest. Situated on the pivotal par-5 17th hole, where past champions have often clinched victory, these day-specific tickets are $89, and each ticket includes catered lunch, open bar and snacks. Other ticket options include the SAS Championship Golf & Leisure Book weekly grounds passes and daily tickets. All ticket options can be purchased now online at saschampionship.com or by calling (919) 531-4653.

2012 SAS Championship Field