Alabama Assistant Coaches’ Golf Course Scheme Unravels After Sarkisian’s Hole-in-One

Nick Saban’s assistant coaches at Alabama developed an elaborate strategy to slip away for rounds of golf without their famously observant head coach discovering their absences. The system hinged on determining which Tuscaloosa-area course Saban planned to visit, then heading to the alternative location to avoid detection during the offseason.

The scheme relied on tips from those golfing with Saban to identify his destination. With two primary courses in Tuscaloosa—Indian Hills and North River—the assistants would simply choose whichever one their boss was not using. The arrangement functioned smoothly until a critical intelligence failure exposed the entire operation.

Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding recounted how he received faulty information placing Saban at North River, prompting him to organize a group to Indian Hills at 2 p.m. on a spring afternoon. As the group reached holes 10 and 16, Golding spotted Saban on the adjacent green with the course professional and companions.

Rather than abandon the round, the assistant coaches continued playing quietly. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian then struck an eight-iron from approximately 145 yards that landed directly in the cup for an ace—a rare achievement that demanded celebration he could not provide.

The group immediately fled to their carts and concealed themselves nearby, acutely aware that word of such a remarkable shot would inevitably reach Saban within hours. News of Sarkisian’s hole-in-one reached the former Alabama coach the following day, effectively ending any pretense regarding the afternoon’s activities.