A stretch of South Champions Drive in Rogers will remain closed through Monday, September 28, as the city prepares to host the Northwest Arkansas Championship LPGA Tournament at Pinnacle Country Club. The closure began Wednesday and affects the segment from Front Street to the Northwest Arkansas Pediatrics building, according to a city news release.
The annual tournament marks its 20th anniversary September 21-27, drawing golf enthusiasts and professional players to this part of Rogers each fall. This year’s event expects heightened excitement with 17 members of the 2026 Solheim Cup team confirmed to participate, underscoring the tournament’s growing prestige in the women’s golf calendar.
Drivers and local residents should plan alternate routes as the restrictions will limit travel access near Pinnacle Country Club, a familiar Rogers landmark situated near Pinnacle Hills. The city’s public works department and event organizers are collaborating to manage traffic flow and maintain safety in surrounding neighborhoods and nearby commercial areas.
A notable addition to this year’s championship is a new Fan Zone positioned between the No. 9 Tee and No. 18 Fairway. This area is designed to offer interactive activities, food and beverage vendors, and an expanded merchandise shop. Organizers hope the Fan Zone will enhance the experience for attendees, creating a lively atmosphere that spreads beyond the fairways.
With South Champions Drive partially closed, businesses along the route have been advised to adjust operations and deliveries accordingly. City officials emphasize the importance of staying alert to updated signage and respecting traffic control measures to ensure a smooth event week.
The Northwest Arkansas Championship contributes significantly to the local economy, bringing thousands of visitors to Rogers. The influx supports restaurants, hotels, retail outlets, and service providers throughout the city, especially in the nearby Pinnacle Hills and Downtown Rogers districts.
This year’s tournament continues Rogers’ tradition of hosting premier sporting events that extend the city’s cultural offerings and showcase its appeal beyond the usual retail and dining scene. Sporting events like the LPGA Championship also complement ongoing growth efforts in Rogers, which include recent openings such as the Whole Foods Market in Pinnacle Hills.
Residents who rely on South Champions Drive for daily commutes or errands are encouraged to prepare for longer travel times and consider alternative routes in advance. Although the closure may cause some inconvenience, city leaders are confident the community will embrace hosting the LPGA’s return to Rogers with the enthusiasm it deserves.
The tournament’s organizers and local officials plan to recognize community partners and longtime supporters during the week’s festivities, hoping to strengthen ties between the sport and Rogers’ residents. As the official event approaches, more information about parking, shuttle services, and spectator guidelines will be released.
For those interested in experiencing the excitement firsthand, tickets and further details about the Northwest Arkansas Championship are available through official LPGA channels. The tournament remains a highlight of the year for Rogers, drawing in competitive play and connecting fans with elite athletes on a stage set between Pinnacle Country Club’s rolling greens and the city’s bustling neighborhoods.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
