HOOVER – Ethan Hagood parlayed a successful high school golf career at Spain Park High School into a spot on the University of Alabama Birmingham’s team.

Hagood officially signed with UAB on Nov. 8 during a ceremony at the Hoover Country Club.

“They have a lot of local kids from Birmingham that play on the team, and I have a good relationship with some of those guys,” Hagood said about the decision to join UAB’s program. “I got an offer, and it wasn’t a hard decision. I took it right away, and I haven’t looked back.”

Hagood said he first committed to UAB in May.

Hagood has competed at the varsity level at Spain Park since his freshman year and was joined at the signing ceremony by SPHS coach Keat Litton.

“We have a really competitive team, so that’s been helpful,” Hagood said.

Hagood also credited his swing coach, John Oliver.

A highlight of Hagood’s high school career was winning the Southern Junior Championship at Willow Point Golf and Country Club in Alexander City in June.

Hagood finished with five consecutive birdies to compile an aggregate total of 208 with rounds of 66, 69 and 73 for an eight-under for the tournament.

The 45th annual Southern Junior Championship is part of the Southern Golf Association tour and consisted of 160 players from seven countries and 18 different U.S. states. Former champions include PGA Tour players like Justin Leonard, Charles Howell and Sean O’Hair.

Hagood said he thinks he needs to improve his putting to get to the next level as a golfer, but his driving has been a strength.

“I was able to put myself in a good position, and I think that’s what really helped me play so well,” he said.