Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
All Pro Tour still expected for June
BELLA VISTA — The All Pro Tour is still expected to reach Bella Vista for the Cooper Communities Charity Classic during the third week of June, along with the addition of the Women’s All Pro Tour tournament.
According to a news release from the tour, the women’s event is the official qualifying tour for the LPGA Symetra Tour.
Charlie Teal, president of the Bella Vista Foundation, called it an exciting development and has happened because the covid-19 threat has resulted in earlier Women’s All Pro Tour events cancellation.
As the state starts to open, he said, tournament organizers are optimistic — though the event will work to be in compliance with any state guidelines.
“We hope that, come the third week in June, we’re going to have an ability to conduct this event similarly to prior years,” he said.
Over the past three years, he said, the tournament has raised more than $84,000 for local charities and he hopes this year will raise a similar amount to previous years.
This year’s tournament benefiting the Bella Vista Animal Shelter, Benton County Boys & Girls Club, Bella Vista Community Television, Bella Vista Courtesy Van and the Bella Vista Rotary Club.
The tournament is scheduled June 24 to June 27, with women playing at Scotsdale for the first two rounds and at the country club for the last two, while men will play at the country club the entire time. A pro-am event scheduled June 23 will also allow teams of three amateurs to play with a man and woman pro player, which Teal said will allow the amateur players the chance to watch two professionals in action and socialize with them as well.
Anyone interested in signing up for the pro-am tournament can find a signup sheet at the golf course clubhouses and pro shops, as well as the Bella Vista Foundation website, www.thebellavistafoundation.com/.
The tournament is capped at 132 players while the women’s tournament has a cap of 78, and Teal said he wouldn’t be surprised to see full fields. Keith Bryant may be reached by email at kbryant@nwadg.com.