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Simmons Bank Championship Presented by Stephens Announces $125,000 Investment in First Tee of Central Arkansas, Earns PGA TOUR Champions President's Award
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens was recently named the recipient of the PGA TOUR Champions
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[{"type":"text","content":"LITTLE ROCK, Ark., May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens was recently named the recipient of the PGA TOUR Champions President's Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a tournament on the PGA TOUR Champions circuit, recognizing exceptional performance in charitable impact, community engagement, player hospitality, and overall event excellence.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThe award was recently celebrated during a Tournament of the Year Celebration at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock, bringing together sponsors, partners, volunteers, and community leaders who helped make the championship's second year even more successful than its inaugural season.\"Receiving the President's Award in just our second year is an incredible honor and a testament to the people who make this tournament possible,\" said Michael Cataldo, Tournament Director of the Simmons Bank Championship. \"From our sponsors and partners to our volunteers and community supporters, this recognition belongs to all of them.\"The PGA TOUR Champions President's Award recognizes tournaments that go above and beyond in delivering a world‑class experience while making a meaningful impact off the course. Among the elements highlighted were enhanced player and caddie hospitality, innovative programming, and the tournament's strong commitment to charitable giving throughout Arkansas.During the celebration, tournament leadership also announced a $125,000 cornerstone gift to First Tee of Central Arkansas, reinforcing the championship's mission to reinvest tournament success directly into the communities it serves.In its first year, the Simmons Bank Championship donated more than $250,000 to over 20 local charities, including an initial $100,000 gift to First Tee of Central Arkansas. That investment supported expanded program access and transportation. This year's increased contribution reflects the tournament's growing charitable footprint and long‑term vision.\"As the championship continues to grow, so does our responsibility to give back,\" said Freddie Black, President of the Arkansas Champions Trust. \"Supporting First Tee of Central Arkansas aligns perfectly with our mission to invest in young people and help strengthen communities across the state.\"The $125,000 gift will support a multi‑phase initiative to strengthen First Tee o...