In 2024, Bev Hargraves made history becoming the first Arkansan to win a Golfweek Player of the Year award! This achievement capped a dominant season on the course. His remarkable year of victories proved that passion and perseverance never fade.
Bev Hargraves, a stalwart of Arkansas golf whose career spans decades of competitive triumph and leadership, etched his name in history in 2024 by becoming the first Arkansan to be honored with the Golfweek Legends Player of the Year Award. The accolade, announced in December, capped a remarkable season that saw Hargraves add several prestigious titles to his already impressive résumé, all while managing the challenges of prostate cancer.
Hargraves’ journey in golf began long before the accolades of his senior years. A native of Helena on the Mississippi River and a former caddy at Helena Country Club, he learned the game's nuances without formal lessons. “I learned by watching the best and just setting small goals,” Hargraves recalled during an earlier interview. That early exposure translated into a lifelong passion for competition, propelling him through numerous state and national tournaments.
In 2024, Hargraves dominated the legends division on multiple fronts. He kicked off the year by winning the Golfweek Championship, Legends Division, at Omni Resort’s International Course in Davenport, Fla., reaffirming his status as one of senior golf’s top competitors. Later in the spring, he captured titles at both the Estero Senior Am Invitational at Estero Country Club and the Low Country Senior Invitational at Callawassie Island in South Carolina. His success continued into the summer when he won the Arkansas State Golf Association Match Play Championship in the legends division, followed by a victory at the Arkansas Open later in September.
Hargraves’ excellence was not confined to tournament wins alone. His performance throughout 2024 earned him the Arkansas State Golf Association Player of the Year, Legends Division, in October. Ultimately, it was his consistency and skill on the national stage that led to the crowning achievement: winning the Golfweek National Player of the Year Legends Division award in December, making him the first golfer from Arkansas to secure a Golfweek Player of the Year honor.
A fixture in the Arkansas golf community, Hargraves’ career is marked by both competitive brilliance and service to the sport. An Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame member and long-time board member, and former president, of the Arkansas State Golf Association, he has spent decades nurturing the game at both grassroots and elite levels. His resume includes a college stint at the University of Arkansas (1970–73), multiple appearances on the USGA Mid-Amateur circuit, and international tournament experience in locations such as Lima, Bogota, and Mexico City.
Throughout his career, Hargraves has been known for his relentless competitive spirit. “I’ve always believed that if you’re going to compete, you might as well try to win,” he said. That drive has seen him win more than 80 individual stroke play tournaments in Arkansas, alongside numerous team events and championships that have solidified his standing as a premier senior golfer. His accolades are not just confined to the fairways; they underscore decades of dedication, perseverance, and a love for the game that has inspired generations of Arkansas golfers.
While the award itself is a historic milestone for Arkansas golf, Hargraves’ story resonates on a more personal level as well. In 2024, while balancing an intense tournament schedule, he continued to manage his health challenges, including an ongoing battle with prostate cancer. Hargraves, however, chose to let his play do the talking. “I just love the competition,” he noted, reflecting a commitment to his craft that has never wavered. His decision to stay in the game, even in the face of health concerns, has earned him admiration both on and off the course.
Local and national golf communities have rallied around Hargraves, celebrating not only his recent wins but also his lifelong contributions to the sport. The Arkansas State Golf Association, which has long counted him among its pillars, highlighted his 2024 season as a testament to his enduring talent and determination. “Bev’s accomplishments this year are a reminder of how far Arkansas golf has come,” said Carson Roberts, executive director of the ASGA. “His success brings pride to Arkansas and provides insight into the talent and skill that is within the state.”
National golf publications have also noted Hargraves’ impressive season. Golfweek’s coverage of his journey in 2024 emphasized the significance of his achievements amid a field of seasoned competitors. Hargraves’ triumph as Golfweek Legends Player of the Year not only underscores his individual talent but also shines a spotlight on the depth of senior golf talent emerging from Arkansas.
Hargraves’ journey is far from over. Even after decades of competition, his competitive fire remains lit. Looking ahead to the coming season, he expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities that still lie ahead, both as a competitor and as a mentor for younger players. “There’s always another tournament, another challenge,” he said. “I just keep moving forward and enjoying every round.”
For Hargraves, the Golfweek Legends Player of the Year Award is more than just a personal triumph; it celebrates a lifetime dedicated to golf. His achievements in 2024 stand as a testament to resilience, passion, and the enduring spirit of competition. As the first Arkansan to receive such an honor, Hargraves has not only carved out a legacy on the course but has also set a new benchmark for what is possible in senior golf.
In a sport where history is measured in yardage and strokes, Bev Hargraves’ record is written in victories, perseverance, and a deep-rooted commitment to the game he loves. His success in 2024 will long be remembered as a milestone, a reminder that with determination and a love for the game, age is merely a number, and the pursuit of excellence is timeless.
