Ernie Els inadvertently broke the news in June that the American Family Insurance Championship would move to a team format in 2025 when the golf tournament shifts to the Steve Stricker co-designed TPC Wisconsin.
The tournament confirmed that change Monday.
Stricker’s PGA Tour Champions event remains a three-day tournament but will feature partners playing together. It is the first time that format will be a part of a Champions tour event.
It will be held June 6-8 in Madison.
In a statement, Stricker said, “With this tournament moving to a new course in 2025, it’s an ideal time to try a new format as well. I was honored to play in and serve as Captain at both the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup, which showcased the excitement that team golf brings. This format adds a level of intrigue and competition to the game.”
The Friday and Sunday rounds will be team best ball, which means each player plays his own ball but the player with the lowest score on the hole is counted.
Saturday’s round will be played as a team scramble, where each player hits a tee shot and then the team picks the best drive to play in from. Both golfers play in until the hole is completed.
How will teams be selected?
The field of 76 players will be broken down into 38 teams of two. The top 38 players will choose their partners. Els said he would pick Tim Herron, should Herron be in the field.
The event will have a $3 million purse, with the winning team splitting $600,000.