The big guns of football are gearing up for a different kind of showdown, as Ohio State’s Ryan Day and former Alabama coach Nick Saban tee off together in the Golden Bear Pro-Am at the 50th annual Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio. They’re joined by PGA pros Justin Thomas and Corey Conners for nine holes of golf, but the real excitement lies in the banter between these two football legends.

Before hitting the links, they posed for photos with Ohio State’s College Football Playoff national championship trophy, exchanging witty remarks — Day said, “We’re paired together out there,” to which Saban responded, “Oh, that’s good. We have a lot to talk about,” prompting Day to laugh and agree, “Yes, we do”. But there is something special about this pairing, something more than just the thrill of these big names coming together.

You see, you were an avid golf fan, and you already knew the importance of Saban and Thomas being reunited. When Saban retired last year, Thomas couldn’t hold back his emotions. The golfer took to Instagram to share a heartfelt farewell message for the legendary coach, saying, “I couldn’t begin to thank him enough” for all that he did for him. Thomas praised Saban for being “gracious” towards his family and “spending time with him” while being “a soundboard” that he could talk to.

And that feeling is something the golfer still feels. Thomas had a blast playing with Coach Saban and Coach Day in the first round, saying, “It was awesome… I just love talking to him [Saban] and he’s always been so unbelievably nice and supportive to my family and myself.” Thomas was particularly impressed by Day’s friendly vibe, joking, “I hate to say this, but Coach Day’s a really, really good dude, and I hate that I’m going to maybe have to root for Ohio State a little bit because of how nice of a guy he was.”

Thomas got to indulge his inner football nerd, asking questions and listening to the two coaches’ insights. “But just the nerd in me really wanted to — you know, I was able to kind of talk football a little bit or ask questions between them two and myself, and I mean, that was pretty cool.” He noted that Saban and Day have developed a friendly dynamic, saying, “I think that they have obviously become closer and friendlier over the past couple years.” Thomas enjoyed sitting back and listening to the two legends, admitting, “Those are two people I think you more sit back and listen than you do try to lead any conversation.”

The round was a fun experience, and Thomas was thrilled to be surrounded by such football greatness. And well, the feeling is shared by Saban.

Nick Saban says Justin Thomas is a ‘hard worker’

Back in 2024, Saban predicted that Justin Thomas would have a great year, and he had been somewhat right. Saban had appeared on the live broadcast of The American Express tournament, chatting with Thomas, whom he was close with due to their Alabama connection. Saban pumped Thomas up, saying, “Justin is a great person, great family. His dad Mike is a great guy, I know he’s been his teacher for a long time. He’s a hard worker. I know he’s had to overcome some adversity last year, but he’s done it like a trooper and I think he’s going to have a great year this year.”

And well, Saban’s prediction was on point. Kinda. Thomas had an impressive season, snagging top-10 finishes 7 times and only missing cuts 4 times. But his hard work finally paid off when he clinched a tournament win at the 2025 RBC Heritage, ending his years-long drought. But that is not only popular pairing as other notable duos are also hitting the links. Max Homa and Keegan Bradley are paired with sports reporters Amanda Balionis and Kira Dixon, adding some extra excitement to their games. Meanwhile, Justin Rose and Rickie Fowler are joined by the Curry family – Dell Curry, Seth Curry, and NBA superstar Stephen Curry – making for a fascinating foursome. So, are you excited for the competition? Let us know in the comment section below!