Capturing the Spirit of the Sanford International 2024 Opening Ceremony
In September 2024, I had the privilege of photographing the opening ceremony of the Sanford International Golf Tournament at Minnehaha Country Club. This annual event, a cornerstone of the PGA Tour Champions circuit, brings the top names in golf to Sioux Falls, and the opening ceremony is a key highlight.
As the event photographer, this was an exciting challenge. The opening ceremony featured some of Sioux Falls’ most notable community figures, including Mayor Paul TenHaken and Fire Chief Matt McAreavey, alongside the South Dakota National Guard. Capturing these moments required balancing the formality of the event with the energy of the crowd.
Photographing large-scale events like this requires being in the right place at the right time. The Sanford International’s opening ceremony was packed with emotion and community pride, and my goal was to encapsulate the excitement in every shot. From candid moments of attendees enjoying the spectacle to the official proceedings, each photograph tells the story of an event that celebrates not only the sport but also the community that supports it.
For Sioux Falls event photography, it’s crucial to not only document the occasion but also capture the essence of the atmosphere—something that this golf tournament, with its mix of sportsmanship and local pride, delivered in spades.
