Triplett, Broadhurst win Legends of Golf at Big Cedar

Photos courtesy Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf

Vijay Singh, one of last year’s two winners, putts during the 2018 tournament at Big Cedar Lodge.

The team of Kirk Triplett and Paul Broadhurst won the signature event at the fifth Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf Tournament.

Triplett and Broadhurst won $171,000 apiece for capturing the 50-and-older circuit title. The total purse of the April 17-22 tournament at Big Cedar Lodge was $1.8 million. Tournament Director Kirk Elmquist said via email the event set a new attendance record, but that the final number is still being tallied. Bass Pro spokesman Jack Wlezien said the previous attendance record of 25,000 people was set in 2017.

Triplett made a bunker short for birdie on the first playoff hole to solidify his team’s victory. Triplett and Broadhurst ended play with a score of 24-under par. The team finished the tournament with no bogeys. Bernhard Langer and Tom Lehman ranked second in the 50-and-older bracket, according to a news release.

Last year’s winning team, Vijay Singh and Carlos Franco, tied for third with Miguel Angel Jimenez and Jose Maria Olazabal.

Tournament play was held at Top of the Rock, Buffalo Ridge and the newly completed Mountain Top Course, designed by Gary Player.

Tiger Woods kicked off the tournament with a children’s golf clinic at Buffalo Ridge. Nearly 8,000 registered kids and families attended the event, according to a separate news release.

The tournament also had appearances by Mark Wahlberg, Kid Rock, Larry the Cable Guy, Willie Robertson and members of Dude Perfect. College of the Ozarks again served as the tournament’s charitable beneficiary.