Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Aug. 26, 2025 – The Arkansas State Golf Association (ASGA) announced it is partnering with PGA TOUR winner Austin Cook to launch the Austin Cook Junior Elite Championship in September.

The tournament is designed to showcase Arkansas’s top junior golf talent and provide a pathway toward collegiate and national competition, a news release from the ASGA said.

It will take place at the Ridgepointe County Club. Cook is a Jonesboro native and PGA Tour champion.

“This championship is my opportunity to give back to the game and the community that gave so much to me,” Cook said in the release. “Arkansas has tremendous junior talent, outstanding golf courses, and the resources needed to grow the game at every level. I’m excited to be part of the journey for the next generation of Arkansas golfers.”

The tournament will feature 36 holes of stroke play across two days, with players competing in Boys 14-18 and Girls 14–18 divisions. Yardages are expected to be approximately 6,500 yards for boys and 5,800 yards for girls.

Results will be submitted to the Junior Golf Scoreboard and the American Junior Golf Association. The event will also award Simmons Bank Player of the Year points for the 2026 Championship Season Race.

Boys and girls who will not turn 19 before Sept. 6 and have not yet entered college are eligible to enter. Players must be Arkansas residents or approved non-residents with Arkansas-based home courses. The field is limited to 57 boys and 27 girls.

All other non-residents must submit a playing resume for consideration by the ASGA tournament committee at tyler@asga.org.

Deadline for applications is noon on Sept. 2. To register, click here. For financial assistance opportunities, visit the ASGA website here.

Justin Jones, ASGA director of marketing and communications, said after the deadline passes, a player roster will be finalized, and communication will begin on start times.

“The ASGA is incredibly excited to return to Jonesboro and introduce this first-of-a-kind tournament to Arkansas,” Jones said. “Austin Cook is a shining example of golf in our state and partnering with him for this tournament shows a commitment to growing the game of golf in Arkansas and supporting our juniors.” 

The entry fee is $200 and will include a swag bag, use of range balls and more.

For spectators, there is no cost to attend. However, those wanting to ride in a golf cart will need to pay a spectator cart fee, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The tournament will be held Sept. 6-7. The event schedule is below:

Sept. 6: 

• 8 a.m. – Round One tee times begin 
• 11 a.m. – A boxed lunch will be made available to all competitors. 
• TBD – All participants are to attend a Range Clinic hosted by Cook
• TBD – All participants, as well as parents, are to attend a seated dinner that includes a town hall session Q & A with Cook and ASGA staff

Sept. 7:

• 8 a.m. – Round Two tee times begin 
• TBD – A trophy ceremony will take place after the conclusion of the competition. Awards will be given to first place finishers in each division.  

For more information about the championship, visit the ASGA event page.