Hoover Chamber hosts 21st annual Golf Classic

The 21st Annual Hoover Chamber Golf Classic is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 22, at Riverchase Country Club. The tournament will once again be held in the four-man scramble format, with about 130 golfers participating. Golfers can sign up in two-man or four-man teams.

Like in years past, St. Vincent’s Health System will be the title sponsor in the tournament that serves as the largest fundraising event for the chamber. Each year, the tournament raises about $20,000 in scholarships for area students through the Lila Parks Scholarship Program. 

Chamber Executive Director Bill Powell said he had the idea for a golf tournament when he first began working for the chamber in July of 1995. By August of the next year, the first annual Hoover Chamber Golf Classic was born, and it has been a success each year since.

“It’s the most fun you can have and still call it a work day,” he said.

The day begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. in which each of the four-man teams starts at one of the course’s 18 holes. Each player hits off the tee and then proceeds to take their next shot from the best of the four balls. At the end of the tournament, the scores are divided into three groups, and Riverchase Country Club pro shop gift cards are awarded to each of the winners from the three groups. 

Powell said golfers at the tournament range from experienced golfers to those like himself who haven’t played in 10 or more years, which makes the four-man scramble the perfect format to even the competition.

As part of the annual event, the chamber also sets up a raffle with prizes ranging from restaurant gift cards to weekend stays at area hotels. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $5 or as a pack of 5 for $20 at chamber luncheons and at the tournament.

Two-man registration for the tournament is $375, four-man team registration is $650, and hole sponsorships are $750. For more information about registration and sponsorships, contact Bill Powell at 988-5672 or bill@hooverchamber.org.