Chick-A-Tee Slims Down

Northwest Arkansas’ most elite golf tournament will be even more exclusive June 22-24 when Art Baldwin defends his title.

The Dwight Collins Chick-A-Tee Invitational Tournament, played since 1938 at Springdale Country Club, is trimming down its invite-only field. Last year, 192 golfers got to play in what has become known locally as “The Masters of the Ozarks.”

This year, only 168 will be invited. The reason, we’re told, is the club wants to make the three-day, 54-hole stroke-play event’s rounds more enjoyable.

Eliminated for sure will be six qualifying spots. A method for reducing the field by another 18 players is still in the works.

Any reduction is significant since there are 113 local golfers and 158 out-of-towners on the tournament’s waiting list. The Chick-A-Tee is Arkansas’ oldest continuous golf tournament.