Former Hog Gives Caddying A Shot

Richard Casillas a former Arkansas Razorback, walks up the 10th fairway as he caddies for LPGA pro Janice Moodie during practice rounds for the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship on Tuesday at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers
Richard Casillas a former Arkansas Razorback, walks up the 10th fairway as he caddies for LPGA pro Janice Moodie during practice rounds for the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship on Tuesday at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers

— Richard Casillas has seen life inside the ropes of competitive golf before. But this week, he has decided to pick up the bag once again.

From a different view.

Casillas, a walk-on golfer at the University of the Arkansas under former coach Mike Ketchum, is caddying at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship at Pinnacle Country Club. For Casillas, it’s a new experience both on the golf course and with the tournament.

“I’ve never done it before,” Casillas said. “It just looked like a lot of fun, so I decided to try it this year.”

Casillas, who still lives and works in Springdale, has been assigned to caddy this week for Janice Moodie, a two-time winner on the LPGA Tour who might be best known for representing Europe in the Solheim Cup in both 2000 and 2003. And for those hoping to spot Casillas on the course this week, he won’t be hard to miss, especially with a Razorback tattoo proudly displayed on his calf.

“I still follow the Razorbacks a lot,” Casillas said. “That baseball game the other day (in the College World Series) was tough.”

Relief From The Heat

Fans looking to beat the heat this week will have plenty of options to help keep them comfortable. Free bottled water will be available to all spectators at locations throughout the Pinnacle Country Club course all three rounds, Friday through Sunday. Volunteers and tournament staff will also be driving the course to distribute free bottled water to anyone who needs it.

Fans are still encouraged to walk the course as special shade zones will be provided on both the front and back nine holes. Coolers filled with chilled ice towels will be positioned on the course for spectator and volunteer use.

Also available and free to the general public are air conditioned locations in the Dove Kid’s Center and the Walmart Family Fun Zone. The Dove Kid’s Center hours will be extended from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is open Friday through Sunday. There, fans will find plenty of family activities including a bounce house, miniature golf, player autograph signings and free ice cream. 

At the Walmart Family Fun Zone, fans will be treated to a golf simulator and other activities. The Walmart Family Fun Zone is located on the No. 17 green, and the Dove Kid’s Center is located on the No. 18 tee.

 The tournament is in close touch with the City of Rogers to ensure appropriate medical staff and emergency responders are on location and available should anyone need help.

NWA Children’s Shelter To Receive Donation

The Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter will receive donations totaling $25,000 from the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship and presenting sponsor, P&G at 1 p.m. today.

LPGA Tour professional Morgan Pressel will attend the event to present the gifts to Children’s Shelter Executive Director Steve Schotta. The donations will be used to help fund the Children’s Shelter’s daily operations.

Pro-Ams Tee Off Today

The first of two pro-am events will tee off today at 7:20 a.m. and again on Thursday.

Notable tee times today are Juli Inkster (7:20 a.m. in No. 1), Natalie Gulbis (7:40 a.m. on No. 10), Ai Miyazato (8:10 a.m. on No. 1) and Brittany Lang (8:50 a.m. No. 1).

There are both morning and afternoon groups each day.

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