Who doesn’t enjoy a beautiful day outside, enjoying the sun and hitting the links? OK, when it comes to golf, not everyone is interested in or enjoys the game. But that hardly means they don’t know something about coming out to a major golf tournament and enjoying themselves.
The Regions Tradition brings people of all ages who enjoy something unique – from golf (if you’re into that kind of thing) to food and more. Not the biggest golf fan? Here are some suggestions for what to do and some ideas from some people who know:
A Day With Dad
Sometimes all you really need is a good, free breakfast to make the most of a day. For Skiiler Cheesman, the free breakfast was mostly icing on the cake on a day spent with her dad. Skiiler, who is about to graduate high school and has already finished her studies for the year, had the chance to come and hang with her father at Greystone. Corey Cheesman helped organize volunteers from the 99th Air Refueling Squadron spending the day as honorary observers at the tournament.
Asked if she was staying all day, she laughed, “Oh no. No. No.”
Enjoy Peace and Serenity
For Ashley Carmichael, the best part of golf is the course. “I love the peacefulness and the serenity of the green space,” she said. “I love to walk and ride my bike on the course near my house.”
A year ago she took her first trip to the Regions Tradition, when someone provided her with a complimentary ticket. She – by her own admission – randomly decided to follow John Daly around the course. “It was really a neat introduction to the tournament. It was fun.”
This year, she and her husband Troy are back, though he bragged about having more experience on the links than his wife. “I’ve played twice,” he laughed.
Jasmine Thomas joined her fiancee and child for a family outing at the Regions Tradition.
She Came for the Queso
Jasmine Thomas wasn’t joking when she said that she came to the tournament “for the queso.” It’s easier to do that this year, thanks to the new Cocina Superior tent on the 10th green. Like many people, Thomas has more of a connection to golf than cheese.
“I first played two years ago. My boyfriend at the time – now my fiancée – took me, and now it’s a monthly outing,” she said.
But her history with golf precedes boyfriends and fiancées to one of the first men in her life. “My introduction to golf really came from my granddad. We’d watch it together when I was a little girl.”
She still likes the cheese best of all.
A Relaxing Day Away From the Office
For two young professionals, who asked that their names not be used, the lure to Thursday’s first round was simple: “Take the day off and go to a golf tournament.” That’s all they needed to hear to come out and enjoy the tournament for the first time.
“It’s so peaceful,” one of them said. “It’s not exactly what I was expecting.”
Neither had seen competitive golf in person, so they decided to pick out a couple of famous names – think Vijay Singh or Bernhard Langer – and follow them for the day.
“We were impressed and proud to see what Regions is doing in the community.”
The Watering Hole
Looking for fun, food and beverage and a great view? The Watering Hole is the place. Centrally located and open to the public, the Watering Hole on the 10th green includes the Tito’s Terrace, Michelob Ultra Club, and William Hill Estate Wine Lounge.
This area features everything from great views to a cold beverage to great barbeque and more. It’s like hanging at your favorite outdoor patio … with hall-of-fame golfers outside doing their thing.
Some days, even the mascots want to chill out in a recliner at the golf range.
Driving Range
It’s not just for practice any more. The Driving Range features some great places to relax – from tables and chairs to lounge chairs. In addition, you’ll find tents from a number of sponsors and supporters of the tournament. And it’s a prime place to score some free stuff.