May brings two significant events to Hoover each year: Regions Tradition Golf Tournament, May 8–12, and the SEC Baseball Tournament, May 21–26. Both events are attended heavily by locals and attract thousands of visitors to Hoover’s hotels, restaurants and shops.
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Chase Kyes, left, is a junior at Spain Park High School and is the current title holder of the 2023 7A State Championship.
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Regions Tradition is hosted at Greystone Country Club and has helped the club become a major golf destination.
Regions Tradition
Experience professional golf at the beautiful Greystone Country Club. Now in its 35th year, Regions Tradition is a major golf event for the PGA Tour Champions. It has helped Greystone become a major destination for fans and professional golfers, with local coaches and players at Greystone Country Club making headlines:
Mark Blackburn founded the Blackburn Golf Academy at Greystone Country Club in 2000. He was named 2023 Golf Digest’s “#1 Teacher in America” and “2020 PGA Teacher of the Year”. Mark is consistently ranked as one of the best coaches in golf.
Greystone Golf Member Nick Dunlap took home the 2023 U.S. Amateur championship, then made history when he became the youngest PGA tour member after winning The American Express Gold Tournament on January 21, 2024.
Spain Park High School Junior Chase Kyes, who grew up playing at Greystone, won the 7A State Championship in 2023. He is returning to defend his state title in May. Chase says he was blessed to grow up playing with high-caliber coaches, such as swing coach Chip Thomas of the Blackburn Golf Academy, Blackburn, and Dunlap, who are influential in his life.
As for Regions, Kyes says, “Regions Tradition shines a light on Greystone golf. For my friends and teammates, Regions is a fun event. We often have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the golfers. I usually ask them about their transition from amateur to professional.”
Learn more Regions Tradition experience, including how to attend and who’s on this year’s star-studded celebrity and professional golfer lineup, at www.regionstradition.com.
Aubie and Big Al are favorites at the SEC Fan Fest, a free event held at the Finley Center during the SEC Baseball Tournament.
SEC Baseball Tournament
Another wildly wonderful sport swings into action in Hoover in May at the SEC baseball tournament at The Hoover Met.
The SEC Baseball Tournament is so much fun for families, and in 2023, Hoover broke their attendance record.
Park and Recreation Director Erin Colbaugh says, “Last year was a historic milestone as we achieved a record attendance of 171,288 passionate fans cheering on their favorite teams and players. The baseball games and FanFest create an unmatched atmosphere that fans look forward to each year.”
As for expectations in 2024, she says, “We are currently gearing up for another fantastic year. The tournament promises fierce competition and unforgettable moments that will last a lifetime.”
Local youth baseball and softball teams and fans of all ages flock to The Met to watch their favorite college team and see the best baseball in the SEC.
Connor Greb, Chase Kyes’s cousin and a Nationally ranked freshman at Spain Park, says, “Attending the SEC baseball tournament with my teammates is something I look forward to every year. It is a really fun event with great baseball. It definitely motivates me to keep pushing myself because I hope that will be me one day. ”
This year, Vanderbilt will be back to defend its championship title. Plus, Hoover favorites Auburn and Alabama will be in the tournament.
SEC FanFest, an indoor game and entertainment event at the Finley Center during the tournament, is free and open to the public.
For more information about the teams, schedule, and ticketing information, go to secticketoffice.com.
Now Open: Magic City Indoor Golf
Hoover has a brand-new golf experience! Magic City Indoor Golf is now open at 1218 Alford Avenue. Locally owned by Hoover resident and golf instructor Neil Thompson, the venue features high-tech golf simulator bays, perfect for serious golfers looking to enhance their game. Casual golf enthusiasts can use the space to host meetings, enjoy a party, or have a great evening of fun. Need to plan a gathering off-site? Magic City Indoor Golf has an inflatable simulator to bring the sport to your home or work.Check out rates for membership packages, instruction and how to book for events at www.magiccityindoorgolf.com.