Reviewed by: Grace Howard
$25 million to charity, big celebs + more: See how golf drives change in Birmingham
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Not too long ago, golf was largely seen as a game reserved for people with the time, money and physical access to enjoy it.
But that’s changing, and quickly. We were lucky enough to attend this year’s Regions Tradition on the day they held their 4th annual Adaptive Golf Clinic in partnership with United Ability—and saw firsthand how the sport is becoming more inclusive and accessible for players of all abilities.
Join us to see what else we learned at this year’s Regions Tradition, including the sizable donation tally it brings to Children’s of Alabama each year. Golf is changing for the good in Alabama. Here’s why.
Lulu Gribbin is just one of the celebs changing golf in Birmingham
Adaptive athlete + shark attack survivor, Lulu Gribbin, in action at the Regions Tradition 2026. (Jacob Blankenship / BhamNow)
Big names in sports graced this year’s tournament—among them Nick Saban, Alex Golesh and John Daly—but the heroes that had the most impact were ones for whom golf is more than a sport, it’s a way for them to shine in bodies that act and move a little differently.
This is the 4th year where Regions has partnered with United Ability and other local orgs (we saw friends from the Lakeshore Foundation, Children’s of Alabama, Glenwood, among others 👏), and the turnout was the best we’ve seen.
In addition to equipment fittings and swing instruction, the crowd gathered to meet-and-greet adaptive athletes, and the longest line was for Mountain Brook native Lulu Gribbin.
“There’s double, even triple the amount of people here than last year! And it just shows how much golf can adapt for everyone, how welcoming a sport it is and how much community it brings together.
I’m just so honored and excited to be able to help these kids and adults learn how to play and put their mind to something awesome.”
Lulu Gribbin, Mountain Brook native + adaptive golf advocate
How adaptive golf is changing the sport
As close to 90 participants milled about the green waiting for the clinic to start, they were given one promise: They wouldn’t be leaving that day without handling a shot and believing they can play golf.
One of the inspiring “coaches” who was leading the way is double amputee and combat veteran, Noah Galloway. This Birmingham resident has appeared on magazine covers and even “Dancing with the Stars,” proving along the way that he sees opportunities vs limitations. With a little humor sprinkled in.
“Anybody can play this game. It’s still a challenging game, but hey, if you have a disability, you can be bad at golf just like anyone else.”
Noah Galloway, keynote speaker, author and sometimes-decent adaptive golfer
For Schiela Peña, being at the adaptive clinic was more than just a job duty—it’s personally meaningful. She serves as the Disability Services and Outreach Manager at Regions Bank, and her work helps connect Regions Bank employees and the company as a whole with the communities it serves and people of all different abilities.
“It’s a privilege to serve on days like today because you get a chance to meet with amazing organizations that really just want to see how they can help people overcome barriers.
It also means so much to see a company lean in and say, ‘hey, you know what, you do matter. We see you. You have value.'”
Schiela Peña, Disability Services and Outreach Manager, Regions Bank
A lasting impact for charity in Alabama: $25M and rising
What happens after the tournament is equally as interesting as what happens during: Over the years, the Tradition has raised more than $25M for Children’s of Alabama.
In addition to funneling money when and where it’s most needed, the hospital’s impact fund receives a large portion of donations, which helps:
- Expand treatment options for infants and children facing acute conditions
- Ensure patients awaiting heart transplants have life-saving support
- Receive A+ rehabilitation services at community partners like the Lakeshore Foundation
All of this positivity is making a great impression on the rest of Alabama, too. When basketball player-turned-announcer (and Leeds native) Charles Barkley found out he couldn’t make this year’s Tradition, he sent a $25,000 donation to Children’s of Alabama in his place.
Feeling inspired by these extraordinary Alabamians? The Alabama Golf Association is holding a free adaptive clinic at Bent Brook Golf Course on Thursday, August 13. Find more info here and make plans to attend next year’s Regions Tradition, May 12-16, 2027.
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