The First Tee Mars Challenge To Debut At P&G NW Arkansas LPGA Event

The P&G NW Arkansas Championship presented by Walmart has announced a new partnership with Walmart and Mars Incorporated to present The First Tee MARS Challenge.

The First Tee, a youth development organization which teaches young people life skills and core values through the game of golf, will select participants from 12 Chapters of The First Tee, including the NW Arkansas, Central Arkansas and Ft. Smith locations, to participate in this inaugural event.

The First Tee participants will compete alongside LPGA Tour players during the first and second championship rounds of the P&G NW Arkansas Championship, September 10-11. Each of the Chapters with participants in the event will receive a $5,000 cash donation from Walmart.

"We are excited to debut The First Tee MARS Challenge held in conjunction with our event," said Tournament Chairman Jay Allen. "We thank The First Tee for the wonderful work they do in communities across the United States, and Mars and Walmart for providing the opportunity to highlight the top young golfers in Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding region."

The First Tee participants will partner with an LPGA Tour player for a best ball gross event over the course of two days. The male and female participant with the lowest score over the course of the two-day competition will win The First Tee MARS Challenge Trophy.

The First Tee will select one participant from each Chapter based on age, USGA handicap and knowledge of The First Tee Nine Core Values and life skills taught at the Chapters.

Participating Chapters of The First Tee include:
The First Tee of Northwest Arkansas, The First Tee of Central Arkansas, The First Tee of Dallas, The First Tee of Fort Smith, The First Tee of Fort Worth, The First Tee of Greater Kansas City, The First Tee of Louisville, The First Tee of Memphis, The First Tee of Metropolitan Oklahoma City, The First Tee of Salina, The First Tee of Tulsa and The First Tee of Nashville.

Tickets to the tournament are on sale now. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.nwachampionship.com or by calling (479) 715-6100. Daily tickets are $25 for championship play, Friday through Sunday. Week-long grounds badges can be purchased for $50. Admission is free to the public Monday through Thursday. Children 17-years old and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.