In its inaugural year, the Simmons Bank Championship has created a national stir as a winner of the PGA TOUR Champions Tournament Awards. This week, the tournament received the Players Award, with PGA TOUR Champion players voting it their favorite event.
The Simmons Bank Championship is only the second ever first-year event to earn the Players Award, joining the Dominion Energy Charity Classic of 2016. The award recognizes a tournament that “goes above and beyond in the experience they provide the PGA TOUR Champions players.”
Highlights from tournament week included:
- The buildout around the property was top-tier, beginning with the entrance and extending to hospitality and fan enhancements around the course. Viewing areas for fans were extensive, with numerous public bleacher options and dedicated kid’s viewing areas, which were needed due to the large crowds on-site, supporting the tournament and enhancing the playoff atmosphere of the event.
- Simmons Bank executives, led by Chairman George Makris, serve on the tournament board and help drive the vision for the event, which impacts hospitality, sales and community engagement. George and the entire Simmons executive team’s engagement and commitment were evident in PGA TOUR Champions membership.
- The Player Hospitality Committee ensured our players were well cared for throughout the week, handling everything from registration and transportation to local restaurant recommendations and serving as a concierge, elevating the player experience.
- Player amenities included Lexus courtesy vehicles, a dinner at the Governor Huckabee-Sanders Mansion, and a special outing for player wives. Additionally, both the player and caddie received a winner’s trophy, and necklaces were presented to the wives of both the player and the winning caddie. Complimentary hotels were also provided for all caddies.
- Pleasant Valley Country Club played a key role in welcoming our players and caddies, offering a brand-new clubhouse, first-class locker rooms, and excellent food, all complemented by an attentive staff. Players provided tremendous feedback on the quality of the golf course, ranking it as one of the top venues on the PGA TOUR Champions.
Thank you to all our leaders, associates, spectators and volunteers who made this event a nationally recognized success!