The NW Arkansas Championship, held each year at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers, Arkansas, has become a staple on the LPGA Tour. Over the past nineteen editions, the tournament has showcased emerging talent, dramatic playoffs, and record‑setting performances.
Early Years and Inaugural Champion
In 2007, the tournament’s first edition was cut short by rain after 18 holes. Razorback senior Stacy Lewis held the lowest score and was declared the winner while still an amateur.
Rise of International Stars
South Korean golfers quickly made their mark. Seon Hwa Lee captured the 2008 title with a 15‑under‑par finish, her fourth career LPGA win. The following year, Jiyai Shin won a three‑way sudden‑death playoff and earned LPGA Rookie of the Year honors.
Taiwan’s Yani Tseng dominated in 2010 and 2011, winning back‑to‑back championships – the only consecutive titles in tournament history – while also securing two major championships each season and being named Player of the Year twice.
Playoff Drama and Record Scores
From 2012 onward, the event frequently required sudden‑death playoffs. Japanese golfer Ai Miyazato became the first from Japan to win in 2012. In 2013, Inbee Park triumphed in a playoff and added three majors to her résumé that year.
Home‑grown talent returned in 2014 when Stacy Lewis captured her second title, reinforcing her status as a local heroine.
Historic Margins and Youthful Achievements
2015 saw Na Yeon Choi win by a record two‑stroke margin. New Zealand’s Lydia Ko set a tournament record in 2016, finishing 17 under par at just 19 years, 18 days old – a record for youngest champion.
South Korean Ryu So‑yeon broke Ko’s score in 2017 with an 18‑under finish, while Japan’s Nasa Hataoka lowered the bar further in 2018, posting 21 under par and becoming the youngest champion.
Recent Champions and the 2025 Cancellation
In 2019, Park Sung‑hyun won a three‑way playoff, marking the sixth time the tournament winner also earned LPGA Player of the Year. The 2020 edition was delayed to August due to the COVID‑19 pandemic; Austin Ernst prevailed with a 20‑under performance after rigorous testing protocols.
Hataoka returned in 2021 for a one‑stroke victory, and Thailand’s Atthaya Thitkul became the first Thai champion in 2022, also earning Rookie of the Year honors. The following year, South Korea’s Han Ran Ryu captured her first LPGA win as a rookie.
2024 saw Thailand’s Jasmine Suwannapura win with a dramatic 12‑foot eagle putt in a playoff, adding a third career LPGA victory.
Heavy rain forced the 2025 tournament to cancel after Day Two, with prize money distributed based on Day One results. American Sarah Schmelzel and Japan’s Minami Katsu each posted 63‑stroke rounds and shared the top prize.
Legacy of the NW Arkansas Championship
Over nearly two decades, the NW Arkansas Championship has highlighted the global nature of women’s golf, provided a platform for rising stars, and delivered memorable moments for the Rogers community. The tournament’s history reflects both the competitive spirit of the sport and the resilience of its organizers in the face of weather challenges.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
