Rudolph joins ‘Greats of the Game’ at Sanford International
July 8, 2026
Contact:
Paul Heinert
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / paul.heinert@sanfordhealth.org
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The EMC Greats of the Game at the Sanford International has added another fan favorite to the 2026 event. Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph joins award-winning country music artist Jordan Davis and Tournament Host Andy North as confirmed contestants.
Rudolph, North and Davis will join one more yet to be announced participant in a 9-hole exhibition on Saturday, September 12 at Minnehaha Country Club. The four participants will tee off on Hole No. 10 following the final group of the Sanford International.
“We are excited to welcome Kyle Rudolph to the Sanford International for this year’s EMC Greats of the Game event,” said Davis Trosin, tournament director of the Sanford International. “Kyle produced many big plays during his incredible career with the Minnesota Vikings, and now fans are going to be treated to some highlights from his golf game, too! Between Saturday’s 9-hole exhibition on the course and an acoustic performance by Jordan Davis at the Friday dinner, it’s going to be a memorable weekend for our fans.”
A two-time Pro Bowl selection (2012, 2017), Rudolph became one of the most accomplished players in Minnesota Vikings history. Drafted in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame, Rudolph spent a decade with the Vikings, establishing himself as one of the premier tight ends in the NFL through his exceptional athleticism, reliable hands, and leadership both on and off the field. Rudolph’s versatility made him an invaluable asset to the Vikings’ offense throughout his tenure. Known for his ability to make clutch plays in critical moments and his excellence in both the passing game and as a blocker, he became a cornerstone of the Vikings’ offensive attack and a beloved figure among fans.
Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Kyle has been deeply committed to giving back to the community. Through the Kyle Rudolph Foundation, he has focused on enhancing the quality of life for children and families in need, particularly supporting children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses. He was a three-time Vikings Community Man of the Year and partnered with the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital to open “Kyle Rudolph’s End Zone,” a therapeutic play space for hospitalized children
The EMC Greats of the Game dinner will take place on Friday, September 11 at the Sanford Barn. The evening will feature a sit-down dinner, fireside chat with the Greats participants, and a special singer-songwriter style acoustic set by Davis. In recognition of the September 11 memorial, funds raised from the dinner will benefit Folds of Honor and other military-focused charitable organizations.
Tables and sponsorship opportunities for the EMC Greats of the Game dinner are available by calling the Sanford International Tournament Office at 605-271-7825. Tickets to the Sanford International, including access to watch the Greats of the Game exhibition, are on sale now at sanfordinternational.com.
About the Sanford International
The Sanford International, a PGA TOUR Champions event contested in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will be played at Minnehaha Country Club the week of September 7-13, featuring a $2.2 million purse. In its ninth year, the Sanford International will continue to focus on charitable giving and making a lasting impact in Sioux Falls. For more information about the tournament, please visit sanfordinternational.com. You can also follow the tournament on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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