Simmons Bank Championship | Exciting 2026 Ultimate Guide
Written byJustin Wilcox, Founder and editorLast updated October 23, 2026There is something special in the fall air in Central Arkansas for the sports fan who wants to see one of the most anticipated weeks in the professional sports calendar. The Simmons Bank Championship has world class competition, southern hospitality, and playoff drama to bring to Little Rock. Golf fans, historians, and general enthusiasts are excited to see this marquee event happen in the region and make the area the epicenter of senior professional golf. To understand the mechanics, history, and impact of the Simmons Bank Championship is the main reason why it has captured the imagination of sports fans.
Bringing Senior Pro Tours to Arkansas
Bringing in senior pro tour events is a huge milestone for the state as it has long been able to see the exploits of legendary golfers on the television screen. The Simmons Bank Championship makes it possible for the local fan to experience first-hand the talents of the game’s legends.
The setting for the tournament week requires more than merely setting up ropes around the course. It requires getting the whole community involved in making the area a sporting destination where fans can get unparalleled views of the pros in action. The impact on the local area and economy is immeasurable as the excitement generated by this type of sporting showcase is enormous and reverberates throughout the state.
How it Works and Playoff Drama
The competition during tournament week is intense due to the importance the event holds in the larger playoff structure for the senior pro golfers. The Simmons Bank Championship is the second of three legs that make up the all-important Charles Schwab Cup playoff. With the tournament being the second-largest leg in the playoff, the stakes are high, as only the highest performers are able to make it to the season-ending finale. The dynamics of the competition are such that players are battling intensely for supremacy on the course, as it is the final opportunity for them to advance to the final stage. The pressure is immense for these veteran campaigners, and their experience and poise under pressure will be tested as they have to play their best golf, right until the final hole.
What is the Simmons Bank Championship?
The Simmons Bank Championship is an official PGA TOUR Champions event that takes place annually at the renowned Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock, Arkansas. This tournament is the result of a collaboration between title sponsor Simmons Bank, presenting sponsor Stephens Inc., and host organization Arkansas Champions Trust. The event is about delivering world-class sports entertainment to the local community, while also helping to drive a substantial economic boost to the local area and state. In addition, the tournament is also about the pride and prestige that comes with honoring the history of the game and the area’s rich heritage that dates back over a century.
What is the Purse for the Simmons Bank Championship?
The enormous prize fund that accompanies the Simmons Bank Championship is a massive draw for the world’s best seniors golfers to compete and ply their trade in Central Arkansas. Backing this deep field of competitors is a tremendous total prize fund of $2,300,000 on offer.
The prize money is a huge incentive for the athletes to perform at their absolute best as they battle it out for supremacy on the course. The corporate backing of this tournament by entities such as Simmons Bank and Stephens shows that the Simmons Bank Championship has national appeal as it is a truly world-class sporting event that brings huge stature to the Central Arkansas region.
Course Spotlight: Pleasant Valley Country Club
Joe Finger is a World Champion golf course designer who conceived and constructed the 7,100-yard, par-72 course that is known as Little Rock’s best-kept secret. The strategic design of the fairways and greens provide a unique challenge to golfers, as the tree-lined fairways and undulating greens require a combination of shot-making and accurate approach play to test the mettle of the world’s best golfers. This championship course in Little Rock, Arkansas, is an iconic piece of the state’s athletic legacy and provides a scenic backdrop for the Simmons Bank Championship.
Community, Philanthropy, and Arkansas Champions Trust
The Simmons Bank Championship gives back to the local community in countless ways.
The host organization for the Simmons Bank Championship, the non-profit 501(c)(3) Arkansas Champions Trust, focuses on giving back to the local community through supporting various youth and charitable causes. The main beneficiaries of this initiative are the numerous youth and educational organizations that are in need of support. The support comes in the form of financial aid, as well as the tremendous exposure that comes with having the fans pack the venue for this world-class sports event. The Simmons Bank Championship has the ability to deliver a lasting legacy to the Central Arkansas region that extends far beyond the golf course.
Elite Field Competitors and Local Legends
The Simmons Bank Championship brings together some of the game’s most celebrated golfers to battle it out in an intensely competitive, yet entertaining format. There is the element of intrigue as the athletes who have made it through the playoffs have been at their best during the season. Steve Alker is a past champion and is one of the most tactically gifted competitors in the history of the sport. On top of having elite performers in the field, the Simmons Bank Championship is also about showcasing local legends. Ken Duke, John Daly, and Glen Day are three of the most popular figures in the state’s rich golfing history. Having them in the tournament adds to the pageantry of this world-class sporting event and provides a fitting tribute to them for their contributions to the development of golf in the state.
Tournament Branding and the Arkansas Heritage Crest
Simmons Bank Championship is an exciting professional golf tournament that has a unique visual flair to it. The distinctive Simmons Bank Championship crest was masterfully created by local artist Rebecca Bahn. The crest encapsulates the spirit of the state, as the intricate detailing displays various icons and symbols that represent the Natural State and its rich bounty of flora, fauna, and scenic beauty. Everything from the state flower (Apple Blossom), state insect (Honeybee), state tree (Loblolly Pine), and state bird (Northern Mockingbird) has been captured in this visual masterpiece.
Final Thoughts
As the autumn leaves settle across Little Rock, the anticipation surrounding the Simmons Bank Championship reaches its peak. This premier sporting showcase has cemented Central Arkansas as a vibrant hub for professional golf, blending high-stakes competition with unmatched southern hospitality. From the strategic challenges of the historic Pleasant Valley Country Club layout to the thrilling chase for the Charles Schwab Cup, every moment embodies athletic excellence.
Beyond the leaderboards, the tournament’s profound philanthropic impact through the Arkansas Champions Trust ensures that the event’s legacy endures far beyond the final putt, empowering local youth and enriching the community. Whether attending in person to witness legendary golfers battle for glory or following the drama from afar, fans participate in a celebrated chapter of the region’s sporting history. The Simmons Bank Championship stands ready to deliver another unforgettable week of world-class entertainment.
Key Takeaways
- The Simmons Bank Championship makes Little Rock, Arkansas, a desirable destination for world-class sporting competition.
- Pleasant Valley Country Club has a challenging 7,100-yard championship course that was designed by renowned golf course designer Joe Finger.
- The competition at the Simmons Bank Championship is the vital second-leg playoff tournament for the Charles Schwab Cup’s season finale.
- Fifty-four of the world’s best senior golfers have qualified to battle it out for a shot at the lucrative prize fund of $2.3 million on offer.
- The Simmons Bank Championship’s host organization, Arkansas Champions Trust, will direct the lion’s share of the profits to various non-profit and youth organizations in the region.
- The presence of local legends in this elite field of competitors further enhances the appeal of the tournament.
- Acclaimed local artist Rebecca Bahn created the tournament’s crest, which is a fitting tribute to the state’s scenic beauty and rich biodiversity.
- The Simmons Bank Championship organization was honored with the prestigious PGA TOUR Champions President’s Award for its outstanding displays of hospitality.
- The sheer athleticism on display, coupled with the community-centric nature of the tournament, makes for a truly unforgettable sports experience.
- Fans can purchase tickets online to experience the legendary athletes competing at the Simmons Bank Championship first hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is playing in the Simmons Bank Championship?
Yes, the Simmons Bank Championship has a truly stellar field of competitors, who are the top 54 finishers in the Charles Schwab Cup. These legendary golfers are set to battle it out at the beautiful Pleasant Valley Country Club to advance to the final stage of the playoffs.
Does Phil Mickelson have a lifetime exemption?
No, Phil Mickelson does not have a lifetime exemption for regular PGA Tour events. Although there are lifetime membership categories based on winning the tournament, Mickelson’s current professional golfing career is centered around competing in alternate global golf circuits rather than regular tour stops.
Can you wear jeans as a golf spectator?
No, jeans or traditional denim attire is not permitted at the golf course as it is not considered suitable attire for a golf spectator. Appropriate attire includes resort-casual clothes, comfortable walking shoes, and nicely tailored clothing.
Does Rory McIlroy have a lifetime exemption?
Yes, Rory McIlroy has a lifetime exemption since he has achieved twenty wins and reached great milestones in his career. The famous golfer can play in the PGA Tour for the rest of his professional life.
What is the hardest major to win?
Yes, the US Open is recognized as the most challenging tournament among the majors in professional golf. The members of the United States Golf Association (USGA) ensure that the fairways are narrow, rough is thick, and greens are fast.