“Blue skies, fresh cut grass, birds chirpin’!” Chubbs Peterson excitedly pointed out before Happy Gilmore made his professional golf debut.
That same giddiness strikes my broad spectrum of closest – and furthest – buddies when the Regions Tradition rolls around
every year. It could very well be the only thing that produces such a forceful captivating agent. These friends of mine would be at the tee box every day if they could. Meanwhile,
I learned all I know about the sport from Mario Golf on Nintendo 64, and if my left shoulder is facing north, my swing takes the ball due east. I’m a hazard, and I’ve found it’s best for me to spectate, which makes the Regions Tradition perfect for guys like me.
History of the Championship
The Greystone Golf & Country Club began hosting what was once the Bruno Memorial Classic in 1992 as a way to place top-of-the-line golfers in front of starry-eyed fans and raise serious money for local charities. To date, $22 million has been infused into these Birmingham foundations, with Children’s of Alabama being the primary beneficiary. Now, with secured support through 2032, the Regions Tradition has become a major championship in the PGA Tour Champions, and has primed itself to heap more blessings on the heads of appreciative recipients.
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Photos courtesy of Eventive Sports
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Photos courtesy of Eventive Sports
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Photos courtesy of Eventive Sports
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Photos courtesy of Eventive Sports
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Photos courtesy of Eventive Sports
This Year’s Headliners
Steve Stricker, Ernie Els, Bernhard Langer, Jim Furyk and Vijay Singh are among the professionals competing for the tournament’s $2.6 million purse. Meanwhile, the Drummond Company Celebrity pro-am will feature big names from around the state. Charles Barkley, Nick Saban, Kalen DeBoer, Hugh Freeze, Kirby Smart, Greg McElroy, Bo Jackson, Senator Tommy Tuberville, and Country Music Star Riley Green will headline the pre-tournament fun. I’ve never seen Riley play golf, but I can attest through firsthand experience that he was a superior athlete in college. In an intramural basketball game, he boasted repeated fast-break dunks against my team, who might have scored 6 points on the night. If it isn’t frowned upon to pull for a winner, I’ll pull for him.
Volunteer, Attend, or do Both!
If you desire to be a part of the annual Regions Tradition, or if you just want to get in close to the action, help is needed and appreciated, and the perks package is legit! Volunteers can get a polo, cap or visor, lapel pin, entry credentials for the full week, five guest tickets, a parking pass, 20% off at the merch tent, food and drinks provided while on shift, and one round of golf at Greystone for a volunteer play day post-tournament.
Tickets start at just $30 for Good-Any-Day grounds passes. Kids 15 and under receive free admission with a ticketed adult. All active and retired military will receive free access (plus 1) with a valid military I.D., courtesy of Alabama Power.
More volunteer information and tickets can be found at regionstradition.com.
Regions Tradition Event Schedule
Wednesday, May 14: Drummond Company Celebrity Pro-am
Gates Open | 7:00 a.m.Drummond Company Celebrity Pro-Am
6:50 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. & Noon – 2:10 p.m.
Thursday, May 15
Gates Open | 9:00 a.m.
First Round Championship Play 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Live Coverage on the Golf Channel 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Coca-Cola Ladies Long Drive Contest 5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Coca-Cola Spectator Village
Friday, May 16
Gates Open | 9:00 a.m.
Second Round Championship Play 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Live Coverage on the Golf Channel2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 17
Gates Open | 8:00 a.m.
Third Round Championship Play9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Live Coverage on the Golf Channel1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Live Concert 4:00 p.m. (immediately following play)
Sunday, May 18
Gates Open | 8:00 a.m.
Final Round Championship Play | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Live Coverage on the Golf Channel | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Awards Ceremony | 4:00 p.m. (immediately following play) | 18th Green