Former Tide Golfer Justin Thomas Gives $1M For Crimson Reserve Golf Facility

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Two-time PGA Champion and former Alabama golfer Justin Thomas has committed $1 million to The Crimson Standard, the University of Alabama announced Tuesday.

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UA says the gift will support the Crimson Reserve, the state-of-the-art golf facility serving the Crimson Tide’s men’s and women’s programs.

Thomas, a 2013 NCAA Champion and former national Player of the Year at Alabama, directed the contribution specifically to enhance the Crimson Reserve, which opened in 2024.

“Alabama Athletics is incredibly grateful to Justin for his commitment and support of the Crimson Reserve and our golf programs,” UA Director of Athletics Greg Byrne said. “We are proud to have one of our finest student-athletes give back to his sport, both financially and with his input on designing our world-class facility.”

Thomas starred for the Crimson Tide from 2011–13, earning honors including the Phil Mickelson Freshman of the Year Award, Jack Nicklaus Player of the Year Award and the Haskins Award.

Thus far in his professional career, Thomas has won major championships in 2017 and 2022, the FedEx Cup Championship, THE PLAYERS Championship and 16 PGA Tour titles overall. He was named PGA TOUR Player of the Year in 2017 and reached No. 1 in the world golf rankings the following season.

“It’s hard to put into words the love and feelings I have for The University of Alabama,” Thomas said. “I was so lucky to be able to spend two incredible years playing under Coach Seawell. He and his wife, Stephanie, were, and still are, like family to me. This dream of making the Crimson Reserve couldn’t be done without Coach Seawell and Coach Potter and what they’ve done with the program. I’m honored to have a very small part in it.”

Alabama men’s golf coach Jay Seawell, who coached Thomas during his time at UA, praised the gift as a testament to Thomas’s character.

“I am so proud of Justin and thankful for what he's meant to our program and The University of Alabama,” Seawell said. “His impact while at the Capstone and his success on the PGA Tour continues to inspire our current players, and his gift will impact young men and women who choose Alabama golf for years to come.”

Women’s golf coach Mic Potter also echoed that sentiment, saying Thomas’s donation reflects his ongoing commitment to the program beyond his collegiate playing days.

“Alabama women’s golf is extremely grateful for Justin’s commitment,” Potter said. “His impact goes beyond the course, and we are thankful he is giving back to the sport that he excelled in during his time at Alabama and currently in the PGA.”

The donation is pending approval by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees.

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