Saban Introduces Thomas at Colonial Country Club

Golf had been on hiatus since March 8, nearly 100 days, but the PGA Tour returned successfully yesterday at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. To celebrate its return and to mitigate for the fact that no fans could attend, the Tour arranged special celebrity introductions for the golfers. Former Crimson Tide golfer, Justin Thomas, was introduced by current Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban.

Thomas has never played the course at Colonial Country Club but displayed zero rust from the long layoff, shooting a 64 (-6) in the first round. Saban's introduction must have inspired the Louisville native, he finished the day one shot behind the leaders, Justin Rose and Harold Varner III.

Thomas told the media it was strange playing without fans on the course to cheer him on. The number four ranked golfer in the world waved to imaginary fans after a great approach shot and after sinking a putt.

Thomas played an even first round, making three birdies on both the front and the back nine holes, he avoided bogie all day to turn in a score that puts him into contention after the first day.

Despite not playing the course before this week, his caddie Jimmy Johnson has had two golfers win at Colonial in the past. Thomas said on Wednesday he would be relying on Johnson's expertise to navigate the course.

Thomas will continue to play with Jordan Spieth and Ricky Fowler today. Spieth shot 65 (-5) and Fowler turned in a 73 (+3).

The trio will tee off at 7:45 a.m. this morning.

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