Remembering Jackson T. Stephens

Born in Prattsville, Arkansas, Jackson T. “Jack” Stephens rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential business and philanthropic figures of the 20th century. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy (Class of ’47), Jack embodied the values of discipline, service, and perseverance.

Upon joining his brother Witt in Little Rock, he helped transform their firm, Stephens, into a national financial institution. Under his leadership, the firm played a key role in the growth of legendary companies like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt, and became one of the largest investment banking firms outside of Wall Street.

But it was golf that captured Jack’s heart later in life. He took up the game in his mid-thirties, drawn to its quiet rigor, deep values, and lifelong lessons. In 1962, Jack became a member of Augusta National Golf Club. By 1991, he had risen to become the club’s fourth Chairman, overseeing both the Masters Tournament and a new era of global growth for the club.

He remained a tireless advocate for youth and amateur golf, contributing a $5 million founding gift to The First Tee, helping introduce the game to new generations. His belief was simple and profound: "Golf is a great teacher in life. The same skills needed to master this game are the same skills needed to master life."

The Vision Behind The JTS Cup

The Jackson T. Stephens Cup was born from a deeply personal vision.

Warren A. Stephens, former Chairman, President, and CEO of Stephens, sought to honor the life and legacy of his father, Jackson T. Stephens, in a way that reflected both his love for the game of golf and the values he lived by. From that intention came a distinctive collegiate tournament shaped by principle, purpose, and pride.

Jack Stephens came to golf later in life, but he immediately recognized its power to shape character. He believed the game instilled lessons that were equally valuable in business, leadership, and personal growth. These ideals not only defined Jack, but continue to guide Warren and the family’s vision for the event.

The JTS Cup brings these values to life through world-class competition and intentional community impact. Among its meaningful traditions is “Jack’s Day,” where local First Tee participants engage with collegiate athletes through clinics, lessons, and conversations about the path to golf and beyond.

What began as a tribute has become a growing legacy.

Honoring Legacy Through Competition

The Jackson T. Stephens Cup is a premier invitational, uniquely positioned at the intersection of competition, character, and community.

Each year, top NCAA Division I men’s and women’s teams, alongside standout individuals from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the U.S. Military Service Academies, gather at one of the nation's most elite courses. The format, a mix of stroke play and match play, mirrors championship-style rigor, while also emphasizing sportsmanship and resilience.

The tournament’s rotation through iconic private clubs reflects its elevated status and commitment to excellence. Since its inception, the Jackson T. Stephens Cup has been held at some of the most prestigious and architecturally significant golf courses in the country, each chosen to reflect the tournament’s elevated competitive standard and commitment to honoring the game.

Previous Venues:

  • The Alotian Club (2021)

  • Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Florida (2022)

  • Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas, Texas (2023)

  • Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club (2024)

  • And now, Shoreacres in Lake Bluff, Illinois (2025)

Each venue brings its own heritage, challenge, and prestige. The field, comprised of many of the nation's top-ranked programs, has been consistently described as “national championship level.” Beyond titles and trophies, the experience shapes future PGA TOUR and LPGA stars, while honoring Jack Stephens’ belief that golf, at its best, is a teacher of life.