The 110th Arkansas State Amateur Championship has come to a close, and a familiar face once again hoists the E.B. Gee Trophy.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (June 14, 2025) - The 110th Arkansas State Amateur Championship brought together the best amateur golfers in the state for an unforgettable week at the historic Country Club of Little Rock. With two qualifying events and a strong field of exempt players, the championship showcased the level of talent in Arkansas golf.
The day before the tournament began, the course hosted the first ever Am-Am Invitational, where participants had the unique opportunity to tee it up with players in the field. The event raised an incredible $200,000 for the new Darrell Shelton Scholarship, a testment to the generosity helping to grow the game and support the next generation of Arkansas golfers.
The championship opened with 101 men and 19 women, each fighting for a place in history. After two intense rounds, filled with multiple weather dealys on Thursday and Friday, the field was narrowed to the top half and ties for the final day of play. In the end, two champions rose above the rest.
Anna Kate Nichols, fresh off her freshman season with the University of Arkansas women's golf team, put on display of composure and control throughout all three rounds. Nichols led from wire to wire, finishing the tournament with rounds of +3 (R1), even par (R2), and +5 (R3). Despite tough weather conditions, she held strong to claim the title and continue what promises to be a great amateur career.
"This is my third time playing this, so finally getting over that hump and getting the win, is a really cool feeling, especially since my dad has won it too. I have to win it more times than he did!"
In a story that feels almost cinematic, Ron Whittaker captured the Arkansas State Amateur Champion title again, 31 years later, since his first win in 1994.
Whittaker played smart, steady golf, with even-par rounds on both Thursday and Friday, before delivering a masterclass final round on Saturday. He went ahead with a 5-under-par performance, capped by a 30 foot eagle putt on the 18th hole that brought the crowd to its feet and sealed the victory.
"I really didn't know I had to make that putt to seal the deal. I hit a perfect putt and it went in. So it was quite a relief. I really can't believe I'm standing here 31 years later saying that I'm the State Am Champ."
With the win, Whittaker earns automatic exemptions into both the Southern Amateur and the U.S. Amateur, setting the stage for more chapters in his remarkable amateur career.
"My radar is pretty high with how good these young players are and it's going to be fun to play with them! I'm just going to take it in stride and just be happy to be there."
This year's U.S. Amateur will take place August 11-17 at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, Calif. And for the first time, the Blessings Golf Club in Johnson, Ark. will host the 119th Southern Amateur on July 16-19.
