The 2025 High School Overall Championship brought the best of Arkansas high school golf together for a thrilling day at Pleasant Valley Country Club.
The Arkansas State Golf Association, in partnership with the Arkansas Activities Association, hosted the event on Thursday, October 16, in Little Rock.
The Championship featured 18 boys and 17 girls, the top finishers from each classification's state tournament, competing for the title of Overall State Champion. With grandstands, tournament conditions, and greens set up for next week's Simmons Bank Championship, the course provided an unforgettable stage for Arkansas' best high school golfers.
On the boys' side, Jack Denery of Catholic High School started hot, jumping to 5-under early in his round and leading the field for most of the day. As the pressure built, defending champion, Henry O'Keefe of Little Rock Christian Academy made a late charge, sitting at 1-under with two holes left to play. Denery stayed composed down the stretch, finishing at 3-under par to capture the 2025 Boys Overall title.
"I played some really good golf," said Denery. "I hit the ball great and made a lot of the putts I needed to. I had a little shaky finish, but I'm glad I could get it done."
O'Keefe claimed second at 1-under, while Miken Ashmore of Cabot High School and Paxton Lane of Benton High School tied for third at 1-over.
The girls' championship came down to the wire. Yinyoe Yang of Conway High School and Susanna Manns of Russellville High School battled back and forth all day, each taking turns at the lead. Tied at 1-over heading to the 18th, both players made par to force a playoff.
"Coming into this tournament I knew it would be similar to last year," said Yang. "Susanna and I going back and forth, so I was prepared for that."
After two extra holes, Yang prevailed to take home the Girls Overall Championship for the second year in a row, while Manns finished runner up and Lillie York of Mount St. Mary Academy placed third at 2-over.
In addition to earning the title of Overall Champion, the top two boys and top two girls, Denery, O'Keefe, Yang, and Manns, have earned a special opportunity to play in the Simmons Bank Championship Pro-Am on Wednesday, October 22. They'll join PGA TOUR professionals on the same course where they just competeted, gaining experience and memories of a lifetime.
The ASGA extendeds its appreciation to Pleasant Valley Country Club, the Simmons Bank Championship, and the many volunteers and spectators who helped make this year's event such a success.
