The recent victory of Darren Clarke and Ben Crane at the American Family Insurance Championship is a testament to the enduring appeal of team golf on the PGA TOUR Champions. This event, played in a unique two-man team format, showcased the strategic depth and camaraderie that can be found in this format. Clarke, a 57-year-old veteran, earned his sixth win on the PGA TOUR Champions, a remarkable achievement in itself. His partnership with Crane, a 50-year-old rookie, not only marked Crane's first win on the Champions Tour but also ended a lengthy winless streak. This victory is particularly significant as it comes after a 11-year, 11-month, and 30-day winless drought for Crane, making him the 25th player to win on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, and Korn Ferry Tour. The team's success is a testament to the strategic depth of the format, as Clarke and Crane navigated the course with precision, carding a total score of 183 (-30) over three rounds. This performance not only secured their win but also moved Clarke up to No. 10 in the 2026 Charles Schwab Cup standings, further solidifying his position as a top contender in the Champions Tour. The American Family Insurance Championship, which was an individual event from 2016 to 2024, has now embraced the team format, with Clarke becoming the second two-time winner, joining the esteemed company of Jerry Kelly. This win also marks Clarke's second successful title defense of the 2026 season, a rare feat in professional golf. The team's success is a testament to the strategic depth of the format, as Clarke and Crane demonstrated their ability to work together effectively, despite their different levels of experience. The event also featured strong performances from other teams, with Kenny Perry and George McNeill finishing runner-up, and Rory Sabbatini, Brian Gay, Cameron Percy, and Greg Chalmers finishing T3. The tournament's host, Steve Stricker, playing alongside Mario Tiziani, finished T17, highlighting the competitive nature of the event. The American Family Insurance Championship, with its unique format and strong field, continues to be a highlight on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule, offering fans a thrilling and strategic golf experience.
