Reviewed by: Liv George
Alabama represented in Augusta + how to celebrate Masters week at home
It’s officially Masters week and after a few days of practice, the competition in Augusta tees off Thursday morning. While the tournament may be happening across state lines, there are plenty of reasons for people in Alabama to pay attention, enjoy some golf or even have a little bit of fun yourself this week.
Tee times are closing in quickly so let’s dive right in!
Alabama golfers at The Masters
Every year, there are several golfers connected to the state out on the PGA Tour but that list gets cut down with the invite-only tournament in Augusta. Still, there are a few names to keep an eye on this week if you’re looking for somebody to root for.
- Justin Thomas, former University of Alabama golfer
- Nick Dunlap, former University of Alabama golfer
- Lee Hodges, former UAB and UA golfer
- Sepp Straka — see more about his connection to Birmingham here
Last year, the tournament featured amateur Gordon Sargent who is a graduate of Mountain Brook High School. He did not make the cut last year but is hoping to return in the future, once he officially turns pro after the NCAA championships in May.
You see a full list of groupings and tee times for Thursday on the Masters website. This is when (central time) the local golfers will get started:
- Straka: 8:36 AM with Phil Mickelson and Tony Finau
- Thomas: 9:18 AM with Hideki Matsuyama and Will Zalatoris
- Dunlap: 9:30 AM with defending champion Jon Rahm and Matt Fitzpatrick
- Hodges: 10:06 AM with Adrian Meronk and Grayson Murray
How to experience The Masters in Alabama
You might watch golf year round but every time The Masters rolls around, it will almost certainly make you want to hit the course yourself. Or maybe that’s just me. You can check in with your local golf courses to see if any tournaments or specials are happening this week!
If you want to watch while you play, head to one of the state’s Top Golf locations in Birmingham or Huntsville. There are several places you can find similar experiences that will allow you to take some swings, watch TV and grab some food+drinks around the state including:
- Cinderella Story in Avondale — Appointments
- Range 231N in Montgomery — Facebook
- Dothan Driving Range — Facebook
- X-Golf in Huntsville — Website
- Bunkers in Auburn — Website
Of course, maybe you just want to hang out with some friends and get the feel of a golf course without being near a golf ball. You can pretend like you’re in Augusta from anywhere by dressing up in golf attire, grabbing a cocktail and eating a delicious pimento cheese sandwich.
If you’re in Birmingham, the top spot to stop by may be Otey’s in Mountain Brook for their annual Masters party. The tavern has re-decorated to make you feel like you’re in Augusta without having to travel to another state.
How will you be experiencing The Masters? Post it on social media and tag The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn!
