It was a day these young golfers will never forget.
Following their victories at the 2025 High School Overall Championship, Jack Denery, Henry O’Keefe, Yinyoe Yang, and Susanna Manns took part in the Simmons Bank Championship Pro-Am on Wednesday at Pleasant Valley Country Club, playing alongside Joe Durant, a four-time PGA TOUR winner and current PGA TOUR Champions professional.
The morning began cool and crisp, with a quiet buzz in the air as the sun rose over the grandstands and perfectly conditioned fairways. As the day went on, temperatures climbed to perfect golf weather, and the atmosphere shifted into full tournament mode. Vendors were set up, media crews moved around the course, and security kept the flow steady as spectators gathered to watch. Every detail matched the setup for the Simmons Bank Championship, which begins Friday, giving the players a true taste of professional tour conditions.
The ASGA players started strong and never looked back, finishing an incredible 16-under par as a team. Throughout the day, they shared laughs, stories, and advice with Durant, who made the experience even more memorable.
“It might’ve been the highlight of my year,” said Durant. “What a great group of kids, and they have excellent golf games. They’re going to do big things in the game of golf, I think.”
For the players, the experience was just as special.
“It’s super exciting and such an honor to be here and play with people who have winning track records,” said Yinyoe Yang of Conway High School. “I’m super grateful to be out here.”
“It’s a pretty surreal feeling being out here and playing in tournament conditions,” said Henry O’Keefe of Little Rock Christian Academy. “It’s awesome and a lot of fun.”
“It’s really special, just to get out here on a course like this, in this type of condition,” said Jack Denery of Catholic High School. “And to get to learn from some of the greats out here, you get to kind of pick their brain and take a few tips here and there.”
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I think the four of us are so blessed to be able to be here,” said Susanna Manns of Russellville High School. “It’s really cool we were able to do this.”
As they played, family, friends, and supporters followed the group across Pleasant Valley, soaking in every moment. From the sound of cheers on nearby holes to the laughter between players and pros, the day captured the true spirit of the game.
The ASGA extends a heartfelt thank you to Simmons Bank, the Simmons Bank Championship, and Joe Durant for providing this incredible experience and for their continued support of junior golf in Arkansas.
Watch our juniors tee it up by clicking HERE!
