Each spring, the Regions Tradition brings world-class golf to Greystone Golf & Country Club, marking one of five majors on the PGA Tour Champions calendar. But before tournament play officially begins, there’s another tradition that draws just as much attention—the Drummond Company Celebrity Pro-Am.

Held the day before the tournament tees off, the Pro-Am brings together voices from across sports, entertainment, and public life. This morning, we had the opportunity to speak with several of the players—coaches, musicians, and public figures—who stepped onto the course not just to compete, but to take part in something larger than the game itself.

For more than 30 years, the Regions Tradition has raised over $24 million for local charities, with Children’s of Alabama as its primary beneficiary. It’s a detail that isn’t lost on the players—many of whom return year after year, drawn as much by the cause as by the competition.

Pete Golding

Now serving as the head coach at Ole Miss after years as one of the SEC’s most respected defensive minds, Pete Golding stepped away from spring practices for a different kind of competition.

“Excited to get out of the office a bit,” he said. “We’re wrapping up spring ball right now, but today I get to play for a great cause and I’m super excited to hang out with these guys.”

Still, the competitive edge never fully disappears.

“If there’s a ball and a score, then you want to win,” he added with a laugh. “Our competitive nature comes out.”

Taylor Hicks

Birmingham native and Season 5 American Idol winner Taylor Hicks is no stranger to the Pro-Am—or to entertaining a crowd.

“If you hear the harmonica on the course, it means I did a good job,” he joked before giving us a few notes.

For Hicks, who said this marks his 17th appearance, it’s the atmosphere that keeps him coming back.

“The camaraderie between all of the coaches, the hospitality, and the goal of promoting Children’s of Alabama—that’s what we’re really here for.”

Alex Golesh

New Auburn head football coach Alex Golesh, fresh off a successful run rebuilding South Florida’s program, took in both the course and the city with curiosity.

“This is such a beautiful place,” he said, before turning his attention to Birmingham’s food scene.

“I’ve heard that this is one of the better food cities in the entire country… I’m a pimento cheese guy, and now everywhere I go there’s pimento cheese on the menu,” he said. “I’m not connoisseur level yet, but I’m gonna perfect it in the next couple years.”

Kirby Smart

As the head coach at the University of Georgia—and a two-time national champion—Kirby Smart brought a lighter approach to the day.

“Good friends, good cause, good people,” he said. “I don’t try to take myself too seriously out here—we’re having fun.”

Nate Oats

University of Alabama men’s basketball head coach Nate Oats balanced the relaxed setting with a look ahead to the season.

“Good to be out here, and we hope the weather holds up while we’re here,” he said. “We’re super excited about the (basketball) roster this year.”

Nick Saban

Few names carry more weight in college football than Nick Saban, the legendary former Alabama head coach whose impact still resonates across the sport.

When asked what it means to continue receiving that level of support from fans, he didn’t hesitate.

“I love it. I love the opportunity to support the people who always supported us and helped us be successful through the years,” he said. “Even though I’m not coaching anymore, I still try and contribute the best way I can.”

From lighthearted moments to reflections on competition, community, and purpose, the Celebrity Pro-Am offers something distinct: a window into the personalities behind the public roles.

Before the first official round begins—before the scores start to matter—this is where the tone is set, not just for the tournament, but for everything it represents beyond the course.

The Regions Tradition runs April 29 through May 3 at Greystone Golf & Country Club. Tickets are available now at regionstradition.com.