For Immediate Release:
Fort Smith, AR – March 15th, 2022 – The United Way of Fort Smith Area (UWFSA) is partnering with the All Pro Tour (APT) for a third consecutive year to bring pro golf to Fort Smith. The 3rd annual United Way Classic, presented by Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland and Legends Resort & Casino Arkansas, will be held June 6th – 11th, 2022, at Hardscrabble Country Club in Fort Smith. The tournament will feature over 150 PGA hopefuls as they compete for the grand prize of $25,000.
The week will be packed full of events. A Youth Clinic will be held on Monday, June 6th, a Pro-Am on Tuesday, June 7th, and a Sip N Chip on Friday, June 10th. The pro rounds will take place Wednesday through Saturday, with the trophy and check presentation on Saturday afternoon, June 11th. New events this year are a cornhole event at The Bakery District on Wednesday, June 8th, and a concert at The Majestic on Thursday, June 9th.
“We are excited to host over 150 professional golfers from the APT at this year’s third annual United Way Classic”, said Shea Foldvary, President and CEO of UWFSA. Foldvary added, “Since the inaugural tournament in 2020, the United Way Classic has raised $145,000 for United Way partner agencies and provided an economic impact of over one million dollars to our area. This incredible total would not be possible without our sponsors, participating agencies, APT Tour staff and players, volunteers, and Hardscrabble Country Club. Their support is vital to the success of the United Way Classic each year.”
“The United Way Golf Classic has established itself as a premier event on the All Pro Tour. The overall coordination rivals most Korn Ferry operations. We are excited to return to Fort Smith post-pandemic and experience everything the city has to offer.”, said Gary DeSerrano, All Pro Tour President. DeSerrano added, “This will be the first year we will have fans on the course. They certainly won’t be disappointed as we expect another strong field of players from all over the world. I encourage everyone to come out to watch and support the United Way of Fort Smith Area.”
This year’s event will be open to the public. It is a free, non-ticketed event, and spectators are welcome. The Pro-Am event is a fun opportunity to improve your game, play with a Pro, and improve your network. Teams of four will be paired with a Pro from the All Pro Tour. There will be a morning and afternoon flight with a shotgun start at 7:15 am and 1 pm. The Youth Clinic will be open to youth in first through twelfth grades. Registration will be limited to the first 50 and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. A parent or guardian may attend and must stay with the child.
United Way is looking for people familiar with the game of golf to help contribute time and energy during these tournament rounds. Volunteers play a critical role in helping conduct a smooth and successful tournament week. Registration for volunteers, the Pro-Am, and the Youth Clinic can be made online at unitedwayfortsmith.org.
This annual charity event supports participating United Way agencies. In addition to presenting sponsors, Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland and Legends Resort & Casino Arkansas, the major sponsors for this charity event are Arvest Bank, First National Bank of Fort Smith, Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, Cox Business, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Jimmy Bell Real Estate, Rheem, Harry Robinson, Buick GMC, Firstar Bank, Strategic Realty, Arkansas Poly, ProPak Corporation, Orr Auto, Simmons Foods, OG&E, Sodies Wine & Spirits, ABB, Roy and Karen Slagle, City of Fort Smith, Riverpointe Wine & Spirits, Service Master, MP Warehouse, Heart of Hospice, ArcBest, First Security Bank, and Montessori School of Fort Smith.
For more information, contact the United Way office at 479-782-1311 or by emailing mlittle@unitedwayfortsmith.org.