Local organizers of the KPMG Stacy Lewis Junior Open, which took
place at Bella Vista Village – Highlands Golf Course in Bella Vista, Ark., July
2-5, have earned the Newcomer of the Year Award from the American Junior Golf
Association. The Newcomer of the Year Award honors a first-year tournament that
displays the complete tournament experience in its inaugural year.
Each year, the AJGA presents awards to
the tournaments with the best individual media coverage, Junior-Am fundraising
tournament, charitable giving, volunteer base and hospitality. The AJGA also
recognizes the year’s most outstanding golf professional, superintendent and
general manager, as well as the most improved event, best Invitational and
overall tournament of the year.
"It's obvious from our
large number of volunteers that we are delighted to have an AJGA event here in
Northwest Arkansas,” said Ron Stratton, Tournament Chairman. “It's particularly
fun to have our own Stacy Lewis as the host."
Kicking off the inaugural event,
Stacy Lewis hosted a question-and-answer session for invited guests following
the final round of the LPGA’s Northwest Arkansas Walmart Championship. Lewis
fielded questions, signed autographs and provided the juniors with advice on
golf and life as a professional athlete. Throughout the tournament, more than
250 volunteers allowed for spotters on the golf course, live scoring on every
hole, marshals to control noise and hospitality volunteers to enhance the
tournament experience.
With the support of local
sponsors Bentonville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Bella Vista Village
Property Owners Association, the City of Bella Vista and Walmart, the KPMG
Stacy Lewis Junior Open was the AJGA’s first tournament in Bella Vista, Ark.,
in the Association’s 35-year history.
With the tournament being played
over the Fourth of July weekend, participants, families and military personnel
enjoyed a tournament cookout to celebrate the holiday. During the tournament
round on the Fourth, an Honor Guard tended the American flag that served as a
flagstick to the par-3 ninth hole.
“We are very fortunate to have
the opportunity to partner with AJGA and Stacy Lewis,” said Kalene Griffith,
President/CEO of the Bentonville Conventions & Visitors Bureau. “The event
was hugely successful and the thanks go to the numerous northwest Arkansas
businesses that partnered with the tournament as well as the tremendous
volunteer support.”
Complete list of
2012 Tournament Awards.