MADISON, Wis. — In an impressive display of teamwork, former European Ryder Cup captains and teammates Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjorn captured the American Family Insurance Championship title on Sunday. The duo delivered a remarkable 7-under 64 in the final round of better-ball play, securing a four-shot victory over four other competing teams.
The tournament, which was spearheaded by host Steve Stricker, shifted to a team format this year, marking the PGA Tour Champions’ exclusive team event. Stricker, partnered with his brother-in-law Mario Tiziani, managed to tie for second place.
Clarke and Bjorn dominated the event at TPC Wisconsin, closing with an impressive 32-under 181. They kicked off the competition with a better-ball 59 and followed it with a 58 during Saturday’s scramble round.
“We concentrated on minimizing mistakes,” Clarke commented. “Our strategy was to provide each other with two solid putting chances by both hitting the fairway, and that served us well.”
This victory marks the fifth win on the 50-and-over tour for 56-year-old Clarke from Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, Denmark’s 54-year-old Bjorn celebrated his inaugural victory on the Champions circuit.
“We have always been diligent in our work,” Bjorn expressed. “Darren and I share over 30 years of history in the tour, experiencing Ryder Cups and numerous other tournaments together. Achieving this together is truly meaningful.”
Stricker and Tiziani closed out the event with a 65 to stack up against Alex Cejka and Soren Kjeldsen (59), Doug Barron and Dicky Pride (69), and Steve Flesch alongside Paul Goydos (64), each finishing at 28-under.
Navigating through physical discomfort, Stricker managed to push through the competition.
“My physical condition isn’t ideal right now,” Stricker admitted. “I need to address these issues, but my passion for playing persists despite the challenges.”
Bernhard Langer and Steven Alker concluded the tournament one shot behind after delivering a 63. Last year’s individual play victor, Ernie Els, joined forces with Tim Herron for a round of 66, ending their run at 26-under.