𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞

Local leaders gathered for a MAX Round Table this week to discuss the Alabama Open and the role sports tourism continues to play in attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and driving economic growth across Elmore County.

Hosted at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill, the Alabama Open returns next week with more than 120 professionals and amateurs competing for one of Alabama’s most respected championships. For nearly 70 years, the tournament has drawn many of the state’s top golfers, and speakers said it has become an example of how recreation, tourism and long-term partnerships can benefit the local economy.

Mike Beverly, director of golf at Capitol Hill, said the tournament has continued to grow since ECEDA became the title sponsor several years ago. “It kind of fell together through relationships and conversations,” Beverly said. “We’ve been able to grow the tournament, and it’s been a home run.”

Beverly said the field has nearly doubled during that time, growing from roughly 60 players to around 120 competitors. He said the larger field creates a stronger championship while remaining manageable if weather affects play. This year’s tournament also features a $15,000 first-place prize, helping attract many of Alabama’s top professionals while providing an opportunity for younger golfers beginning their professional careers.

Alabama Golf Association Executive Director Wade Dockery said the quality of the field is one of the reasons the Alabama Open has remained one of the state’s premier championships. “When you combine the best amateurs in Alabama, our top PGA professionals and young professionals just beginning their careers, you create one of the strongest fields in the state,” Dockery said.

Dockery also emphasized the importance of the partnership between the Alabama Golf Association, Capitol Hill and ECEDA in growing the tournament. “It means everything,” Dockery said. “Without ECEDA’s support and without Capitol Hill providing a championship venue, I don’t think this event would be near the success that it has been.” Speakers also pointed to Capitol Hill itself as one of the tournament’s greatest assets.

Beverly said the facility’s three championship courses provide golfers with a unique experience that is difficult to find elsewhere on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. “Very rarely do you have a facility where you can play three completely different types of golf at one destination,” Beverly said. “That’s what makes this place special.”

Beyond the competition, ECEDA Executive Director Richie Beyer said the Alabama Open reflects a broader investment in recreation, tourism and quality-of-life amenities that continues to create opportunities throughout Elmore County. “You’re seeing that growth because of all these investments,” Beyer said. “There’s a lot of synergy happening through quality-of-life investments, and that momentum is creating opportunities all across the county. We’re working on projects in Tallassee, Wetumpka and Millbrook, and that momentum continues to build.” Beyer said events like the Alabama Open help introduce visitors to Elmore County while supporting local businesses and complementing continued investment throughout the region.

Throughout the discussion, one message remained consistent: the Alabama Open represents more than a golf championship. Speakers said the tournament demonstrates how partnerships between ECEDA, Capitol Hill and the Alabama Golf Association continue to strengthen tourism, showcase Elmore County and create opportunities that extend well beyond the course.