I’ve been an Alabama fan from birth.

I don’t care if they’re winning or losing, I’m still going to lounge in front of the television every Saturday afternoon in the fall watching the Crimson Tide in action.

Wednesday, during the sixth annual Pro-Law-Am Golf Tournament held at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Cambrian Ridge, I had the opportunity to hit the links with former Alabama Head Football Coach Mike Dubose.

I first wanted to participate in the event because the money raised goes toward two great causes, children and police officers. Donations were split 50/50 between the Butler County Children’s Advocacy Center and the FOP Lodge 39. When Dubose agreed to be my team’s fourth player, I was thrilled.

First I wanted Dubose to be a part of the team as a reward for being chosen as Greenville Newspapers 2003 Football Coach of the Year after leading the Luverne Tigers to a runner-up finish in Class 2A. I also just wanted to get to know him.

When I first arrived at the course, I had the opportunity to sit and chat with Dubose while we waited for tee off. We arrived early to get some lunch and take advantage of complimentary driving range use.

During our conversation we spoke of Dubose’s college coaching career and the people he has met over the years. I was interested in finding out more about the people we both know.

When I interviewed him for the Coach of the Year story in December of 2003 I discovered that we had several mutual friends.

We talked about former Tide star Curt Jarvis, who went on to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Dubose was coaching for the NFL franchise. We also talked about former Tide player Willie Wyatt, who now coaches at Hueytown High School in Birmingham.

We also talked about Greenville High School head coach and former Auburn University standout Alvin Briggs. Dubose spoke highly of the defensive man and in fact told me he recruited him while coaching at Southern Miss.

It was nice to talk about some of my hometown folks. Although I enjoy living in Greenville and being around the people in Butler County, there’s still no place like home.

Dubose went to the driving range before me, so I didn’t get to see how he played, but I figured he was good. I figured a guy that played in about 50 celebrity and benefit tournaments a year throughout his coaching career had to be good.

I was right.

Dubose absolutely slaughtered the ball throughout the duration of the tournament. Whether it was with a wood or an iron, he could hit as far as he wanted, where he wanted. If it weren’t for him, our foursome would have struggled.

Even though it may not mean much to some people, I felt fortunate that Dubose took timeout to golf with us. He is a really nice, straightforward man that is fun to be around.

I would just like to thank him for his time. I hope we get to do it again some time.

Adam Prestridge is sports editor of The Greenville Advocate. He can be reached at 382-3111, ext. 122 or by e-mail: adam.prestridge@greenvilleadvocate.com