MADISONS, Wisconsin – European Ryder Cup captains and teammates Darren Clark and Thomas Bjorn won the American Family Insurance Championship on Sunday, shooting a 7-under 64 in a better ball play with a four-stroke victory over four teams.
The tournament, hosted by Steve Stricker, was second tied to his brother-in-law Mario Tigiani, but this year switched to team format and gave the PGA Tour Champions the only team event.
Clark and Bjorn finished at Wisconsin TPC with a 32 under 181. They opened with a better ball 59 and shot 58 in the scramble round on Saturday.
“We were focused on not doing stupid things,” Clark said. “You can try two putts, two opportunities on yourself, just like we did. Both hits on the fairway and we did that.”
Clark, 56, from Northern Ireland, won his fifth tour. Bjorn, 54, from Denmark, won his first champion title.
“We were both hardworking and always was,” Bjorn said. “And obviously Darren and I have known each other for over 30 years, went through tour life together, played the Ryder Cup and did a lot together. Doing this together is pretty special.”
Stricker and Tiziani closed at 65 for the under-28 teams: Alex Cejka-Soren Kjeldsen (59), Doug Barron-Dicky Pride (69) and Steve Flesch-Paul Goydos (64).
Stricker got injured and played.
“My body feels so good,” Stricker said. “I’ve got something to deal with. Try taking care of it. I’m still playing and enjoying it, but I don’t enjoy playing the way I feel today.”
Bernhard Langer and Steven Alker were on another stroke after teaming up with 66 Tim Herons after 63-year-old Arnie Els, the winner of last year’s individual play.
