Winwood, Winged Foot, You Get The Drift

After his team beat Iona in round one of the NCAA tournament, Alabama men’s basketball head coach Nate Oats and Iona men’s basketball head coach Rick Pitino chatted on the phone. Oats is buddies with Pitino’s son and wanted input on his team. Apparently golf came up and Coach Pitino, a resident on the fourth hole of Winged Foot, offered to have Oats for a game.

Erik Hall of the Tuscaloosa News with this from Oats’ radio interview explaining the invite;

Although Oats appreciated the invitation, he seemed oblivious.

“He talked to me about where he’s living up there — what’s that Winwood?” Oats said. “What’s the big-time golf course up there?”

One of the show’s hosts asked if Oats meant Winged Foot.

“Winged Foot, sorry yeah, I’m not a big golfer,” Oats said. “He lives up there on Winged Foot. He was telling me I’ll have to come by.”

Winged Foot Golf Club hosted the first U.S. Open in 1929 and the 1997 PGA Championship.

“Apparently, those that are really into golf, that’s a big-time spot,” Oats said. “So maybe, I’ll take him up on it and get up there once.”

Of course Winged Foot did not host the first U.S. Open in 1929 but we’ll let that slide.

Winwood! Beautiful.

BTW, go Bruins on Sunday!