ROGERS, Ark. – With the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G’s return next month, tournament officials are proud to announce two new events designed for kids, the return of the Corporate Challenge at the 5k @ the LPGA benefiting Mercy and the addition of current Razorback golfer Maria Fassi to the tournament field. The #NWAChampionship will take place at Pinnacle Country Club June 18 – 24. Tickets are now on sale at www.NWAChampionship.com.

NEW: Officials Announce Two New Events Designed For Kids at the #NWAChampionship
Families will have two new events to enjoy during #NWAChampionship Week, with the addition of Yoga for Girls presented by Dove and The First Tee Junior Golf Zone presented by Dove to the week’s schedule of events. These family-friendly activities, both free and open to the public, are designed with the tournament’s youngest spectators in mind.

Yoga for Girls presented by Dove will be held on Tuesday, June 19 at 10:00am in Hub479 onsite at Pinnacle Country Club. This beginner’s yoga class, hosted for girls ages 6 – 12, will highlight how sports and exercise can help build confidence and self-esteem in young girls. In addition, an LPGA professional will attend to share how yoga has impacted her golf game and other areas of her life. Registration for the event is now open at NWAChampionship.com/Hub479.

The First Tee Junior Golf Zone presented by Dove will offer kids a chance to improve their golf game with tips from local The First Tee coaches and interactive putting challenges. The Junior Golf Zone, held Sunday, June 24 on the 9th Hole Putting Green, is free to all spectators with a Kids Ticket (ages 17 and under). No pre-event registration is required.

COMMUNITY: 5k Race Invites Local Offices to Compete in Corporate Challenge
The 5k @ the LPGA benefiting Mercy will return to #NWAChampionship Week in 2018 with an expected 1,500 runners and over 20 Corporate Challenge teams on Saturday, June 23. Race officials are encouraging area businesses and organizations to join the race’s Corporate Challenge to compete for the titles of Fastest Office, Fittest Office, Leading Ladies and Most Spirited Office. In order to be eligible to win an award teams must consist of at least five participants, including one female team member.

The race offers a spirited environment for participants and a unique race route that winds through the Pinnacle Country Club community and onto the tournament’s signage hole, the Gatorade Loudest Hole on Tour – Hole #17.

Registration is now open at NWAChampionship.com for the 5k @ the LPGA benefiting Mercy. Early registration is only $20 and includes a performance t-shirt, tournament ticket, race medal, water bottle and more.

COMPETITION: Current Razorback Golfer Maria Fassi Joins #NWAChampionship Field
Maria Fassi will be joining the field of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G as a sponsor’s exemption through the tournament’s Road to the #NWAChampionship program. Fassi, a current member of the University of Arkansas women’s golf team, just completed a record-setting season, which included 7 individual wins, and recognition as a WGCA First-Team All American and the Southeastern Conference Women’s Golf Player of the Year.

The Road to the #NWAChampionship awards the top ranked University of Arkansas player a sponsor’s exemption into the event with additional players receiving an exemption into the Monday Qualifier based on stroke averages from the season. This year Dylan Kim, Alana Uriell and Kaylee Benton will have the opportunity to join the tournament field through the Monday Qualifier.

“Many on the team have the goal of playing at the next level, and what better way to do that than in our own backyard, in front of our fans,” stated Razorback Women’s Golf Coach, Shauna Taylor. “I am forever grateful for this opportunity for my players, given generously by Walmart and P&G.”

Fassi will join fan favorites and former Razorbacks Stacy Lewis and Gaby Lopez in the field of 144 to compete in the 12th annual #NWAChampionship. Official tournament play will begin on Friday, June 22 at Pinnacle Country Club.

MEDIA: Media Credentials Now Available
The tournament media credential application is now open at www.lpgamediacredentials.com. All members of the media interested in covering the tournament will need to apply for a credential. Advance approval by the LPGA is required for media access to the tournament. Contact Claire Heffley at Claire.Heffley@octagon.com with any questions.