Photography Courtesy Ascension Charity Classic
Now in its third year, the Ascension Charity Classic is becoming a post-Labor Day tradition in St. Louis. The PGA Tour Champions event takes place Thursday through Sunday at Norwood Hills Country Club, and tickets are still available here. Here’s everything you need to know about all of the happenings this weekend:
Who to watch in the Ascension Charity Classic
Yes, John Daly is coming back. Daly has been arguably the most popular golfer to follow in the first two events. David Toms, who won the inaugural tournament in 2021, is also set to return. Pádraig Harrington, last year’s winner, is playing in this weekend’s Irish Open and will not be in St. Louis to defend his title.
This year’s field features 22 PGA Tour major championship wins, as well as five World Golf Hall of Fame members: Ernie Els, Bernhard Langer, Collin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal, and Retief Goosen. Twenty of the top 25 players in the Charles Schwab Cup standings are also signed up to participate, including three players in the top five: Stephen Ames (No. 2), Langer (No. 3), and Toms (No. 4).
Alex Cejka, who won this year’s Senior Open Championship, is part of the field, which also features PGA Tour Champions rookies Boo Weekley, Tim O’Neal, Justin Leonard, Notah Begay III, and Jason Bohn.
You can view the entire field, as well as pairings, here.
Local legends scramble for charity
The Legends Charity Challenge, presented by World Wide Technology, is back this year. The nine-hole, 3-on-3 team scramble features four St. Louis Blues: Hall-of-Famer Chris Pronger, head coach Craig Berube, assistant coach Steve Ott, and center Robert Thomas. Cardinals legend Ozzie Smith will also compete again this year, as will Missouri native Hale Irwin, himself a World Golf Hall-of-Famer.
The teams will compete for a $25,000 purse to benefit First Tee of Greater St. Louis and PGA REACH Gateway. Catch the Legends Charity Challenge on Saturday afternoon following the final pairing of the second round—an estimated 3:45 p.m. start time. The charity match will tee off at the 10th hole.
Youth clinic returns
The third annual Ascension Charity Classic Youth Clinic, presented by Accenture, begins at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at Norwood Hills Country Club. A PGA Tour Champions player and an APGA professional will instruct a group of young players from Diversity Golf, First Tee of Greater St. Louis, PGA REACH Gateway, Youth on Course, and Special Olympics Missouri. There will be a variety of competitions in the Youth Challenge, and there will be prizes.
Photography by Nick Ragone, courtesy of Ascension
Norwood Hills Ascension Charity Classic
The Public Deck Powered by Ameren is located next to the 11th green at Norwood Hills Country Club.
Where to watch
For fans hoping to take a seat while enjoying the action, there are a couple of options. Bleachers have been erected adjacent to the 11th and 18th greens. The National Car Rental Public Viewing Deck is once again located at the 18th green. That’s also where visitors will find this year’s Fan Expo, which will feature several food trucks.
Attendees can either post up at a hole for the day or walk around to check out different holes and follow their favorite golfers—just remember to stay behind the ropes.
For those watching at home, the Golf Channel will air the action on Friday (noon–3 p.m.), Saturday (4–6 p.m.), and Sunday (4–6 p.m.).
How to park
Parking remains virtually the same as in previous years, with free parking at the lots at 8640 Evans. From there, a complimentary shuttle runs from 7:45 a.m.–7:45 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. The Saturday shuttle runs from 7:45 a.m.–8:15 p.m.
