5th Annual United Way Classic First Glance
(Fort Smith, AR) – The All Pro Tour will be in Fort Smith, Arkansas for the United Way Classic. Hardscrabble Country Club will be hosting the APT for the fifth year.
FEATURED PLAYERS:
Zach James from Whitesboro, Texas, is undoubtedly a golfer to watch this week as he steps onto the course. With a string of impressive performances, all eyes are on him to see if he can achieve back-to-back victories. James's journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable. From a solid T13 finish in the first tournament to climbing the ranks with a T6, then a remarkable second-place finish, and finally claiming the top spot, his trajectory has been awe-inspiring. Adding to his accolades, James secured victory at the prestigious 2023 Texas State Open, further solidifying his prowess on the course. With such an impressive track record, it's no surprise that James is currently leading the charge for the Access Golf Player of the Year title. With each swing, he's proving to be a force to be reckoned with, and indeed, Zach James is having quite the season, setting the stage for even greater triumphs ahead.
Austin Rose, hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been showcasing exceptional golfing prowess this season, capturing the attention of fans and competitors alike. As he gears up for the United Way Classic this week, anticipation runs high to witness his continued stellar performance. Rose's journey this season has been one of remarkable growth and achievement, exemplified by his impressive trajectory from a solid T43 placement in the early stages to clinching victory at the prestigious 2023 Coushatta Open. His consistent display of skill and determination has earned him a well-deserved 3rd place ranking on the Access Golf Player of the Year leaderboard. With each swing, Rose proves himself to be a formidable contender, and his presence in the field this week promises yet another exciting chapter in his golfing journey.
2023 CHAMPION: Luke Long (-20)
Luke Long, a native of Fayetteville, AR, made waves last year as the reigning United Way Champion, stunning the golfing world with his remarkable performance, shooting an impressive 20-under par total. A former standout player for the University of Arkansas golf team, Long's skill and dedication have propelled him to the forefront of professional golf. Finishing 2nd on the money list last year and making the cut in all but one event, Long showcased his consistency and talent on the course. This season, he has continued to make strides, competing in both Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Americas events, with a notable T8 finish at the 2024 KIA Open. Now, as he returns to defend his title, all eyes are on the Arkansas native, eager to see if he can make history once again by claiming victory for the second consecutive year. With his proven track record and unwavering determination, Long is undoubtedly a player to watch in the upcoming tournament.
DATES: May 8-11, 2024
OFFICIAL NAME: United Way Classic
HASHTAGS: #APT #AllProTour #PathOfThePros #UnitedWayClassic
SCHEDULE: 5th event of the APT 2024 season
VENUE: Hardscrabble Country Club
PAR/YARDS: 70 (35-35), 6,784 yards
PURSE MONEY: APT: Estimated $130,000 (winner claims guaranteed $20,000 or 19% of total purse)
PAST CHAMPIONS: 2023 - Luke Long (-20)
FIELD OVERVIEW
SIZE: 140 APT players
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:
Monday, May 6th:
Practice Rounds- (7:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m)
Junior Clinic- (5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, May 7th:
Practice Rounds- (7:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m)
Pro-Am- (7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, May 8th:
Round 1- (7:15 a.m. start)
Thursday, May 9th:
Round 2 - (7:15 a.m. start)
Cornhole Tournament- (6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.)
Friday, May 10th:
Round 3- (8:00 a.m. start)
Party On The Patio- (5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
Saturday, May 11th:
Final Round - (8:00 a.m. start)
Awards Ceremony - (after final round)
NOTES ON THE LIST OF COMPETITORS:
This week’s APT field is made up of 140 players from 12 countries.
The breakdown of the players per country in the field this week: United States (123), Hong King (3), Australia (2), France (2),Scotland (2), Argentina (1), Canada (1), Ireland (1), Columbia (1), South Africa (1), Japan (1), China (1).
Action gets underway at 7:15 A.M. CT for the first two rounds of play and at 8:00 A.M. the final two rounds. A cut will be made after 36-holes to the top 35% of the starting field, including ties. Amateurs are included in the cut number. The field will be repaired before the final two rounds based on score and players will go off in reverse horseshoe with leaders of the APT teeing off last. A trophy presentation by the clubhouse will follow the final round of play. Attendance is free to the public.
Paiton Haga
Media & Communications
(620) 750-7007