Arkansas high school golfers get once-in-a-lifetime chance to play alongside the pros

LITTLE ROCK, Ark – It was a dream come true for a group of young Arkansas golfers — walking the same fairways and swinging alongside professionals at the Simmons Bank Championship’s Pro-Am Tournament.

On the opening day of the event, which pairs professional golfers with amateur players, four Arkansas high school students had the opportunity of a lifetime to tee it up with seasoned pros. The scramble format allows all team members to tee off, then collectively choose the best shot to play from. Together, the group shot a 56, finishing 16-under par.

Through a partnership with the Arkansas State Golf Association, the top two boys and top two girls from the state tournament earn the chance to compete in the Pro-Am. This year, the students played alongside Joe Durant, who has 13 professional championships, including five PGA Tour wins.

For Henry O’Keefe, a senior at Little Rock Christian Academy, finishing second in the Arkansas State High School Overall Championship was already a major accomplishment — but returning to the Pro-Am for a second straight year made the moment even more special.

“It’s humbling to be out here and get this experience — this is a pretty rare opportunity as a senior in high school,” O’Keefe said.

Jack Denery, a junior at Little Rock Catholic, made his first appearance in the Pro-Am after capturing his state title. Both golfers said the experience wasn’t just about competing — it was about learning from the pros they’ve always admired.

“It’s the pros meet the pros — it’s as special as it sounds. I’m learning what separates me from the pros and how to get to that next level,” Denery said.

“Just picking his brain on how to hit certain shots and play certain courses,” O’Keefe added.

The Simmons Bank Championship continues throughout the week at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock, giving fans the chance to see both rising stars and seasoned professionals share the course.