LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The PGA Tour Champions Tournament has been the talk of Central Arkansas for months and now it's getting ready to tee off.
The Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens, Inc. has been in the works for about a year.
Last September, Sarah Huckabee Sanders officially announced that the tournament would be making its arrival this fall.
"Here it is tournament week and we've been working all year to get to this day. So we're excited. We really are. There's family, fun stuff to do, and for kids to play," explained tournament chair Freddie Black.
Now fans from all over the country have been trickling in to prepare for what's in store.
On Tuesday, golfers took to the green for the practice round at Pleasant Valley Country Club. 51 golfers were listed as players in the field with names such as Jerry Kelly, Ernie Els, and Paidraig Harrington listed as participants in this year's tournament.
"Our tournament is a playoff event for the champion to the end of the year," Black said. "The event is one of three events they move on to the championship after the top 36 after uh this tournament."
With breathtaking views and perfect weather for hitting the green, organizers have said that golfers and fans alike are sure to experience a taste of what the officials are hoping to bring to the city for the next five years.
Both Black and golfer Paidraig Harrington spoke at the Rotary Club on Tuesday— where they shared the impact that this event will have on the community and why it's about so much more than the sport.
"If you're trying to get a kid into the game of golf, it's about bringing them to a very relaxed fun environment to start off with. So that they love the game," Harrington described.
When Harrington was asked about his first time in the Natural State, he said "I'll be here for the next five years for sure. I look forward to that."
For the people of Central Arkansas, the tournament is a way for new avenues to arise in the city. Black explained how it's one of the biggest events in the Little Rock area.
"The PGA Tour is a big deal for our community and for golf fans and non-golf fans," Black said. "You know, come out, it'll be fun for everybody."
Before getting to the first round of championship play, the Pro-AM pairing party is set to take place Tuesday evening— kicking off Wednesday's Pro-AM competition.
For more information on the complete tournament schedule, please click here.