Alabama unveils $47 million-worth ‘greatest golf practice facility in the world’

The University of Alabama has unveiled its state-of-the-art golf facility. Construction for the luxurious facility began in February 2023, and it is now complete and ready for players to use. The new golf facility, worth around $47 million, is called Crimson Reserve.

The course offers top-tier amenities for both men and women golfers. It includes a nine-hole golf course for play, along with a practice facility and a maintenance area. It also features a clubhouse with locker rooms. Additionally, the facility has a Hall of Fame Lobby, showcasing the achievements of University alumni such as Justin Thomas and Jerry Pate.

Speaking about the new golf facility, UA Director of Athletics Greg Byrne, and Jay Seawell, said, via Golf Week:

“It’s the greatest practice facility in the world, and I don’t think there’s a close (second). There’s a good place down in Augusta that wishes it was more like this.”

Senior golfer Isabella van der Biest also shared her thoughts on the new facility, expressing her excitement and experience, via The Crimson White:

"I had some expectations of what I thought this place was going to look like, and immediately, just driving in, it surpassed my expectations. It was breathtaking, literally unbelievable."

Notably, the golf facility spans an area of 18,000 square feet. Furthermore, the clubhouse was constructed using old brick from the campus buildings.

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Meet the top-ranked golfers of the University of Alabama

The University of Alabama has been home to a number of professional men and women golfers. One of the renowned players from the University is Justin Thomas, who currently plays on the PGA Tour.

Thomas was part of the University’s Crimson Tide Golf team, which won the SEC Individual Championship in 2012. The American golfer has enjoyed tremendous success in his professional career, winning two Majors and 15 PGA Tour events.

Other alumni of the University who play on the PGA Tour include Barry Hardwick, Jerry Pate, and Bobby Wyatt.

Here is the list of the University of Alabama alumni who went on to play on the PGA Tour:

• Jason Bohn: 2004-2021
• Bud Cauley: 2012-present
• Tom Garner: 1994
• Barry Harwell: 1980, 1981, 1982
• Lee Hodges: 2021-present
• Tony Holifield: 1979, 1980
• Travis Hudson: 1978
• Gordon Johnson: 1984
• Tom Lovelady: 2017-19
• Steve Lowery: 1988-91, 1993-2011
• Spike McRoy: 1996-2006
• Trey Mullinax: 2016-present
• Alan Pate: 1977
• Jerry Pate: 1976-2003
• Dicky Pride: 1994-2000
• Davis Riley: 2021-present
• Lee Rinker: 1983; 1995-2001
• Robby Shelton: 2016-present
• Justin Thomas: 2014-present
• Michael Thompson: 2011-present
• Gary Trivisonno: 1981
• Cory Whitsett: 2015
• Bobby Wyatt: 2016-17

In addition to the men golfers, women golfers from the University of Alabama have gone on to play on the LPGA Tour and found success in their professional careers. Cheyenne Knight, Emma Talley, and Stephanie Meadow are some of the top female golfers, who are from the University.