PGA Tour Champions President Miller Brady recently received the Arkansas Traveler Certificate at a kickoff event for the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens. The honor is given to visitors from outside the state who have contributed to the progress, enjoyment or well-being of Arkansas or its people.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders presented the certificate.
“I’m proud to present an Arkansas Traveler to Miller Brady,” she said. “He saw something in the Natural State, and now, thanks to him, the eyes of millions of golf fans will be on our state. None of this would be possible without Simmons Bank and Stephens, who are helping show the rest of the world what Arkansas has to offer.”
In helping establish the Simmons Bank Championship in Little Rock, Brady was instrumental in organizing the state’s first-ever PGA Tour event and the first tournament sanctioned by the PGA Tour to take place in the state since the Korn Ferry Tour’s Fort Smith Classic, which last occurred in 2010.
Proceeds from the Simmons Bank Championship will support multiple nonprofit organizations in Arkansas, and the economic impact on the area is expected to be up to $15 million.
“The list of individuals who have received the Arkansas Traveler is long and distinguished. I’m humbled and grateful to join their ranks,” Brady said. “It’s been a joy to bring this tournament to life, and we at the Champions Tour are thrilled to be in Arkansas. I can’t wait to share this event with the Little Rock community and offer golf fans everywhere the opportunity to see what this great state has to offer.”
Past recipients of the Arkansas Traveler Certificate include Muhammad Ali, Maya Angelou, Garth Brooks and then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who received the inaugural award in 1941.
Photo (left to right): George Makris Jr., Miller Brady, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Freddie Black
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