Ryan Day arrived at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, on what was supposed to be a calm May morning-but instead found himself thrown into another kind of high-pressure situation.
The Ohio State head coach, fresh off winning the College Football Playoff National Championship in January, made his first appearance at the 2025 Memorial Tournament Pro-Am, and quickly realized there would be no reprieve from the spotlight.
“It’s like the job isn’t stressful enough,” Day quipped. “Like I need this stress in my life.”
Despite a lineup that included NBA star Stephen Curry and country music icon Luke Bryan, Day was a magnet for Buckeye supporters. Crowds followed his every swing, cheered for every solid connection, and lined up for autographs and selfies.
Making things even more interesting, Day was grouped with Nick Saban, the recently retired Alabama coaching legend who’s now a media personality and golf regular, and Justin Thomas, a PGA Tour star and loyal Alabama alum.
Justin Thomas evaluates Day’s potential on the course
The trio teed off early, starting on the back nine. Day, sporting his signature scarlet cap, admitted to nerves from the first tee box.
“I’m going to be nervous,” he told Thomas. The golfer responded with reassurance: “This isn’t what you do, so it’s not something you should be really comfortable in.”
As the round unfolded, Thomas noticed glimpses of natural ability.
“He definitely struck me as somebody, if he gave it some time and some practice, that really could be a solid player,” Thomas observed. “He hit some bad ones, but he hit enough solid ones and hit the shots that were required that you don’t just do by accident.”
Day, Saban, and Thomas weren’t alone. Fans in Ohio State colors followed closely as the group made their way around Jack Nicklaus’ famed course, known for its punishing rough and precision demands. “It was a grind,” Day said. “This is a wonderful course, difficult course.”
In one notable moment, Thomas offered guidance on a tricky approach putt. Day followed through, drawing applause with a near-perfect effort. And it wasn’t just his short game that won over Thomas.
“I hate to say this,” the golfer joked to Saban, “but Coach Day’s a really, really good dude. 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.”
As the round progressed, Day stayed focused on a modest goal-make it through without incident. “Four holes left,” he told his family. “I need a par.” He delivered, knocking in a smooth putt after a clean drive on the 15th.
Still, even on a golf course 17 miles from Ohio Stadium, rivalries die hard. A fan’s “Go Blue” cheer echoed through the trees, a reminder that Michigan vs. Ohio State never truly takes an offseason. Saban himself faced friendly fire as well, with an Auburn fan lurking nearby in team colors.
On one of the final holes, Day chunked a shot while Saban drilled one of the best swings of the round-proof that the old competitive spark still flickers in the retired coach.
“He’s been a great supporter to the coaches as he’s transitioned over to the media – and also an ambassador for the game,” Day said of Saban.
“He wants what’s best for the game as we make this transition with all the changes that are going on in college football … So much wisdom there. Great to be around.”
But Day’s ultimate victory? No injuries, no embarrassment, and every fan kept safe. “We’re good,” he said with a grin. “Everyone is safe.”
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