MADISON – Randy Watkins is always trying to bolster what’s seen by many as a star-less field for the Viking Classic.
Watkins, the PGA Tour tournament’s director, added a bright one Wednesday. Kenny Perry, a two-time Ryder Cup member who has won 14 times on the PGA Tour, committed to play in the Viking, set for July 14-17 at Annandale Golf Club in Madison. Perry becomes perhaps the most recognizable name in the field (players have until the Friday before the event to commit). Though he’s now having success mainly on the Champions Tour (for players age 50 and up), Perry (below) has earned more than $31 million in 20 years on the PGA Tour. He won a combined five times in 2008-09.
“Having Kenny Perry in our field is a huge plus for us,” Watkins said. “At age 50, he is still a favorite to win every time he plays.”
Perry had a two-shot lead at the 2009 Masters with two holes left but bogeyed both and lost in a playoff. Perry has made just three of 10 cuts on the PGA Tour this season, but he’s won nearly $300,000 in five Champions events.
