“We are excited to have every one of our past champions returning for another year,” said Tournament Director Jeff Kleiber. “This tournament is an important one on the Champions Tour calendar, but I assure you that it holds a very special place in the hearts of all these champions. We hope that the Triangle area takes note of the caliber of players already committed, and brings family and friends out to enjoy another year at picturesque Prestonwood Country Club. We’ve got some exciting fan enhancements around the 18th green, so mark it on your calendar.”

Lietzke held off Allen Doyle and Gary McCord to win the inaugural SAS Championship by three strokes and successfully defended his title to win again in 2002. He began his title defense with a 72 in the first round but came back on the second day firing a then course-record 63. Lietzke outlasted Gil Morgan and Sammy Rachels to win his second SAS Championship by four strokes.

Weibring overcame flu-like symptoms to win his first tournament on the Champions Tour in September 2003. Weibring finished eagle-birdie to win the SAS Championship by one stroke over Tom Kite and Bobby Wadkins.

Stadler became the Tournament’s first wire-to-wire winner in 2004, with a score of 17-under-par. Stadler ran away with the title during the final round, shooting a six-under 66 to win by six strokes.

Irwin won the 2005 SAS Championship by two strokes over Bob Gilder and Tom Jenkins after making eagle on the 17th hole in the final round. Irwin is the Champions Tour all-time victory leader with 45, and has earned over $30 million on the Champions Tour alone. 

Jenkins shot a six-under-par 66 during the second round of the 2006 event to take a one stroke lead heading into the final round. However, the weekend’s accumulation of rainfall forced Champions Tour officials to cancel Sunday’s play and crown Jenkins the champion after 36 holes. Jenkins finished at 10-under-par 134 for the Tournament.

Wiebe became the 12th player in Champions Tour history to win in his debut when he captured the 2007 crown. Wiebe’s 18-under-par finish set a new Tournament scoring record and topped second-place finisher Dana Quigley by three strokes.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.saschampionship.com (no fees attached!) or by calling (919) 531-GOLF (4653). Limited quantities of the SAS Championship Six Pack, including two weekly tickets and 18 discounted golf vouchers, are available for $99. Eagles’ Nest 17th Green Skybox tickets are available for $79 per ticket or two for $125. Eagles’ Nest tickets include admission to the 17th green skybox, buffet and open bar.

The SAS Championship and Triangle area have become one of the most popular stops on the Champions Tour, annually drawing elite fields and tremendous community support.