Get To The Greens

LPGA swings in to Northwest Arkansas

Friday, June 20, 2014

The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship, the most talked about golfing event in Northwest Arkansas, will open its doors to the public on Wednesday. The first round will begin on June 27 and will undoubtedly be met with great excitement in the Ozarks.

The tournament is nothing if not exciting. Last year, Inbee Park captured her fifth victory by narrowly defeating her best friend, So Yeo Ryu, in a one-hole, sudden-death playoff. Park, who had overcome a four-stroke deficit on Sunday, held the outright lead for one hole before Ryu tied her with a 10-foot birdie on the final hole.

FAQ

Walmart NW Arkansas Championship

When: June 27-29

Where: Pinnacle Country Club, 3 Clubhouse Dr. in Rogers

Cost: $25-30

Info: www.nwachampionship…

Playoffs are not uncommon in golf tournaments, and last year's tie-breaker was the second for the relatively young competition.

Yani Tseng, a Taiwanese golfer and two time LPGA Tour Player of the Year, held on to victory in 2011 when up against Amy Yang. Ahead by one stoke, Tseng missed a 4-foot putt to finish the regulation play. Tied, the two were sent to a playoff where Tseng sank a 4-foot birdie when they replayed the eighth hole.

The tournament features more than just exciting golf.

"The 17th hole has become one of the loudest and most unique holes on the LPGA Tour," says tournament director Harry Hardy. "We want to make this event engaging and affordable to not only golf fans in Northwest Arkansas but families throughout the region."

Patrons will have the opportunity to try out new food vendors, children will be able to play in an expanded kids center and the 17th hole, touted as having an upgraded viewing experience, will be home to the "Get Loud" party atmosphere.

The three-day, 54-hole stroke competition will end June 29, with the 18th Green Award Ceremony following immediately after play.

And while golf pros and enthusiasts will be undoubtedly spend their days at the Pinnacle Country Club, they may find their evenings open to the new experiences offered only in the Ozarks. When the sun goes down, Northwest Arkansas comes alive with art and events that are unparalleled during other LPGA events.

-- Allison Carter

[email protected]

NAN What's Up on 06/20/2014