ROGERS -- It's hard to put a figure on how many youngsters are impacted by the Wal-Mart NW Arkansas Championship, but parents and tournament officials are pleased with the results.
Jay Allen, event chairman for the tournament, said officials have worked hard to make the tournament a family inclusive event -- primarily through its Kids Zone.
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Established in 2005, the First Tee of Northwest Arkansas is a nonprofit organization aimed at teaching life skills and integrity to youngsters through the game of golf. For more information, contact the Tyson First Tee Learning Center in Lowell at 479-419-5808 or visit online at www.thefirstteenwar….
Source: Staff report
The indoor area is air-conditioned and offers free food, games, arts and crafts, putt putt and other golf activities. It's stationed near the 17th hole at Pinnacle Country Club -- "it's a great place to watch golf," Allen says -- and has a large, shaded patio for keeping up with the tournament.
For Ainsley Ridenoure, it's where she discovered her passion for golf.
The 7-year-old from Rogers participated in a driving game last year and has been taking lessons at The First Tee of Northwest Arkansas ever since.
"I was good at driving, so I told my parents I wanted to sign up," Ainsley said Sunday, the final day of the tournament.
Ainsley and her friend, Tone Marconi, have been coming to the tournament since Ridenoure was 4 years old.
"We have a great time," Marconi said, shortly after the pair posed in a mobile photo booth.
For other families, the Kids Zone offers youngsters chance to get their first hands-on experience with golf.
"It's kid-friendly," said Ket Phimmachack, whose daughter McKenzie picked up a club for the first time Sunday.
McKenzie, 4, said she likes golf and seeing the ball "go all the way into the hole."
When told that several youngsters said they have been inspired to play golf after coming to the tournament, Allen said he wasn't surprised.
"(The tournament) has a huge impact," Allen said. "I've heard that multiple times."
Allen also praised the LPGA players for their interactions with young fans.
"Young girls are taking up golf because of seeing these players," Allen said, adding that some players and First Tee put on a clinic earlier in the week.. "(The players) really go out of their way to ... engage with all fans, but especially kids and girls."
That interaction is special, said Mike Malone, a father of two girls.
"We're not a golfing family," Malone said. "But for them to see good role models right in their neighborhood is invaluable."
Malone's daughter, Olivia, agreed.
"It's really cool, because women's sports are usually overlooked," Olivia said.
Malone, who also is president of the Northwest Arkansas Council, said the players have been great ambassadors for Northwest Arkansas. The council is a private, nonprofit organization aimed at sustaining and improving the region, according to its website.
"They help us promote (Northwest Arkansas)," Malone said. "They hear how the community loves them and they love the community."
With hundreds of youngsters attending the tournament, Allen expects the Kids Zone to keep growing.
"We've expanded it almost every year and we'll look at that again this year," Allen said. "So even if (the kids) don't care about golf, there's still plenty for them to do."
NW News on 06/27/2016