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PGA TOUR Champions tournament in Little Rock expected to impact local economy

The PGA TOUR Champions tournament will be hitting the greens in Little Rock next week, and it could leave behind a positive impact on our local economy.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — We're just a little over a week away from Little Rock's first-ever professional golf tournament.

Last year, we learned about the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens and how it is set to bring about $15 million into the capital city.

Since then, all hands have been on deck to ensure that Pleasant Valley Country Club is ready to go.

"It's taken almost a full calendar year for us to get to this point. And the last six weeks have really been the build-up," said Caley Beacham, the Associate Tournament Director. "Our final touches are going on right now, furniture is getting loaded in, and all the structures are up. Everything's kind of those final those final pieces at this moment."

The highly anticipated tournament is said to bring in thousands of people daily as people from all over the world are coming to the Natural State to experience the PGA TOUR  Champions tournament for golfers aged 50 and over— with golfers such as Ernie Els and Jerry Kelly participating.

As one of the most anticipated events in Little Rock, the tournament means so much more for the city and even local businesses in the area.

Delicious Temptations has served the community for over 30 years, and owner Tony Niel explained how they've been going the extra mile to ensure everyone is prepared for whatever the tournament will bring.

"'[We'll] load up, be prepared, inventory-wise and staffing," Niel said. "We'll just hustle as fast as we can."

Simmons Bank and the Pleasant Valley Country Club have agreed to a five-year term, which would also contribute to the local economy.

"We definitely want to put our best foot forward every day, but even more so now, with the impact that it's going to have on ourselves. We want to represent Little Rock and the state of Arkansas because this will be a huge event," Niel added.

Throughout the week, fans and travelers will be able to experience a number of family-friendly events. 

Here's a look at the complete list of events surrounding the tournament:

Monday, Oct 21, 2024

  • Women's Leadership Summit and Clinic | Pleasant Valley Country Club (PVCC)
  • Kid's Clinic | PVCC - driving range

Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024

  • Practice Round | PVCC
  • Pro-Am Pairings Party | PVCC

Wednesday, Oct 23, 2024

  • Pro-Am | PVCC
  • PGA TOUR Welcome Reception | Governor's Mansion

Thursday, Oct 24, 2024

  • Pro-AmPVCC

Friday, Oct 25, 2024

  • Folds of Honor Friday | PVCC – 1st Tee
  • Championship First Round | PVCC

Saturday, Oct 26, 2024

  • Razorback Foundation Gameday Tailgate | PVCC
  • Championship Second Round | PVCC

Sunday, Oct 27, 2024

  • Championship Final Round | PVCC

For more information on the PGA Tour Champions tournament, please click here.

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