Rheem Classic Expands Tour to Shadow Valley

The Rheem Classic, a charity Pro-Am golf tournament that is part of the PGA Tour’s Nationwide Tour, has added a fourth tournament to its schedule, according to a press release. The tournament will be played at the Shadow Valley Country Club in Rogers on May 9. The other tournaments are played at Hardscrabble Country Club in Fort Smith from May 8 through May 14.

The weeklong event brought in about 20,000 people over the past two years, said Keith Davenport, Rheem Classic’s communications manager. In 2004, about 4,000 of those who attended were from out town. The event generated about $2.9 million for the Fort Smith economy, according to statistics compiled by Rheem Classic.

Proceeds from all four events go to local charities throughout Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. Last year, the event raised $100,000, the same amount as in 2004, Davenport said. Since 1998, the event has raised over $900,000. This year, they have a goal to hit the $1 million mark, according to the press release.

“The Rheem Classic was created with a clear philanthropic mission,” Lisa Baker, Rheem Classic tournament director, said in a written statement.

The event works with sponsors and organizations throughout the state and region, and this year it has increased the number of charities it will benefit by more than 50 percent, the press release stated.

Shadow Valley’s registration fees will go to support The First Tee of Arkansas.