ROGERS, Ark. – The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G returns June 18-24 with new events and activities for the entire community to enjoy, including Razorback Fan Day, the Mercy Golf Zone and a first responders appreciation event. The tournament is predicted to feature the strongest field in recent history, with the top 10 LPGA players in the world (as of June 1 rankings) currently committed to play in the event. Tickets for the #NWAChampionship are on sale now at NWAChampionship.com.

NEW: Officials Announce Razorback Fan Day at the LPGA
New in 2018, Razorback fans of all ages are invited to attend Razorback Fan Day at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G on Saturday, June 23 at Pinnacle Country Club. The event, hosted in celebration of the Razorback men’s and women’s golf teams’ successful seasons, will be held in Hub479 on the 17th Hole from 1:00 – 4:00pm. Fans will have the opportunity to meet the Razorback mascots and Spirit Squad, and are encouraged to wear Cardinal to the tournament in support of the Hogs.

The Razorback women’s golf team recently completed a record-setting season, which included seven team wins and the program’s first SEC and NCAA Regional titles. The Razorback men’s golf team won twice during the 2018 season and both programs advanced to the NCAA Championships in Stillwater, Okla. in May.

Fans are encouraged to cheer on current and former Razorbacks throughout #NWAChampionship Week, with official tournament play beginning on June 22. Former Razorbacks Stacy Lewis and Gaby Lopez join current Razorback and sponsor’s exemption, Maria Fassi in the 2018 field. Alana Uriell, Dylan Kim and Kaylee Benton will be competing in the Monday Qualifier on June 18 with the opportunity to join the tournament field.

COMMUNITY: Tournament to Feature New Mercy Golf Zone and First Responders Event
In partnership with Mercy, the tournament will feature two new additions to #NWAChampionship Week for the community to enjoy – the Mercy Golf Zone and a special luncheon to honor local first responders.

Free and open to the public, the Mercy Golf Zone will feature hitting bays and a long-putt competition, with a chance to win prizes courtesy of Mercy. In addition to interactive golf activities for spectators of
all ages, the zone will offer education around the health benefits of an active lifestyle and playing golf. The Mercy Golf Zone will be located near Hub479 and the Walmart and P&G STEAM Center, and open to spectators of all ages Friday, June 22 – Sunday, June 24.

The #NWAChampionship and Mercy have also partnered to host a new event to honor local first responders for their service to our community. During LPGA Week, local first responders are invited to attend a special luncheon on Wednesday, June 20 in Hub479 at 11:00am.

COMPETITION: Top 10 LPGA Players in the World Highlight Best Tournament Field in Recent History
The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G is set to feature the best tournament field in recent years, with all 10 of the top LPGA players in the world (as of June 1 rankings) currently committed to play in the event. This group includes Rolex World No. 1 Inbee Park, fan favorite Lexi Thompson (No. 3) and defending champion So Yeon Ryu (No. 6).

In addition to the top 10 players in the world, 12 of the 14 winners during the 2018 LPGA Tour season are expected to play in the event. The last four winners on Tour – Lydia Ko, Sung Hyun Park, Minjee Lee and Ariya Jutanugarn all head into the month of June at the top of their games and are expected to contend at the #NWAChampionship. The final #NWAChampionship tournament field will be released on June 12 and is subject to change.

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.