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Steve Stricker, Brandt Jobe tied for Sanford International in Sioux Falls

In this July 15, 2018 file photo, Steve Stricker hits on the ninth fairway during the final round of the John Deere Classic golf tournament at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. (Charlie Neibergall / Associated Press)
Associated Press

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Steve Stricker and Brandt Jobe topped the Sanford International leaderboard again Saturday after another cool and breezy day in the inaugural PGA Tour Champions event.

After matching Jerry Smith and David McKenzie with first-round 7-under 63s, Striker and Jobe each shot 67 to get to 10-under 130 at Minnehaha Country Club.

“It was a challenge out there today,” Stricker said. “It was gusty, the wind came out of the south, where we played yesterday it was out of the north, so it was a totally different golf course.”

Jobe made an 18-foot birdie putt on the par-4 18th, and Stricker missed a 6-footer to leave them tied.

“It’s pretty straightforward off the tee and the greens are what make it difficult at times and you’ve just got to be in the right spot to have good birdie putts at it,” Stricker said. “If not, then you’ve got to play pretty defensive at times. … It’s a simple game plan, but try to stay out of trouble and keep trying to put pressure on everybody.”

Stricker won in Arizona and Mississippi in consecutive starts in May for his first senior victories. Next week in France, he will be one of U.S. Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk’s assistants.

Jobe birdied four of the last five holes. He won last year in Iowa for his lone senior title

“I think we kind of got used to what the wind was,” Jobe said. “Of course, there’s some scoring holes on the back. The front played very difficult. It was just kind of try not to screw up for a while there.”

Smith was a stroke back after a 68.

Scott McCarron also had a 68 to get to 8 under. Woody Austin was 7 under after a 64.

McKenzie had a 77 to drop into a tie for 43rd at even par.