Sponsor Saves Golf Tourney

After a lengthy search for a title sponsor, a golf tournament will resume under its old name when entering its 10th year this spring.
The Fort Smith Classic was called the Rheem Classic for the past four years before Fort Smith-based Rheem Manufacturing opted not to renew its contract. It was known as the Fort Smith Classic for the first five years of existence.
Now, no title sponsor will be used as tournament director Lisa Baker said several long-standing sponsors — such as Stephens Media Group, which owns the Southwest Times-Record — have stepped up contributions to keep the event in the Arkansas River Valley.
“With everybody pitching in, we’re going to make it happen,” Baker said. “We’ve gave nine years to it and don’t want to give it up.”
The tournament will be April 30 through May 6 at Hardscrabble Country Club. It is part of the Nationwide Tour, which is owned by the PGA. It will not be televised on The Golf Channel as it has been in recent years.
Baker said every sponsor contacted has been on the same page as far as doing what it can to keep the tourney. Still, more funds are being sought and she encourages anyone willing to help to contact the Fort Smith Classic office. Entry-level sponsorships begin at $200.