Meet the Crimson Tide Golf Team: Austin Hynson
2/13/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
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By Kelly Counts
UA Media Relations
At three years old, Austin Hynson was introduced to golf by his father. Ever since, it has been his passion. When he was 11, Austin decided he would try to pursue golf at the collegiate level, following in the footsteps of his uncle, Eddie Andrews, who played for Mississippi State.
It's no surprise he chose The Capstone as the place where he would fulfill his dreams. Both of Austin's parents, Dr. Jerry and Paula Hynson of Mobile, are graduates of the University of Alabama. His sister Grey also completed graduate school here. Austin had dreamed of attending school here since he was little. He enjoys the beautiful campus and rich tradition here in Tuscaloosa. He attended numerous football games as a child, and his favorite memories of Alabama growing up are of the Tide winning the 1992 National Championship and the 1999 SEC Championship.
While he enjoys attending football games and other campus activities, the majority of Austin's time is spent on the golf course. Being a member of the University of Alabama golf team has given him the opportunity to travel to a variety of locations and play on some of the nation's most beautiful courses.
Since he's been at The Capstone, Austin has experienced success both in golf and in his academic pursuits. He won the 2001 Spirit of America Classic and was a 2001 U.S. Amateur participant. He had two top-20 finishes in 2002 and 2003, which included 13th at Conrad Rehling and 18th at Mason Rudolph College. In the summer of 2000, he teamed with Wesley Pate to win the collegiate championship at the Spirit of America Tournament. Austin was a member of the 2003 SEC Good Works Team and was named to the 2002 Academic All-SEC. As a public relations major, Austin has written for Alabama's football game programs as well as the golf media guide.
In the midst of his senior season, Austin reflects back on his time at The Capstone and looks forward to his future.
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As a senior, when you reflect back on your time here, what have you gained from playing for the Crimson Tide and attending The University of Alabama?
"I have gained a lot from playing for the Crimson Tide. I now understand how special it is to be a part of The University of Alabama. I have also done a great deal of growing up in the last five years."
What do you feel are some of the strengths of the team this season?
"Some of the strengths of the team this season are we now have good team chemistry and have the ability to shoot really low."
What do you feel are some of its obstacles?
"We have a lot of ground to make up in our district after a nightmare fall season."
What has been your favorite road trip with the golf team and why?
"Las Vegas - you can draw your own conclusions."
What is your favorite course to play?
"Seaside Golf Course in Sea Island, Georgia"
What has been your biggest challenge in golf and how have you overcome it?
"Being a short hitter; I now hit average length because of my time spent in the weight room with Coach Jones and Coach Pollard."
Who are your favorite professional golfers and what do you admire about them?
"I admire Tiger Woods because he is the hardest-working athlete in sports and is the best competitor there will ever be. I admire Phil Mickelson because he never backs down and always sticks to his brave style of golf, plus he has the hottest wife on the PGA Tour."
What has been your favorite public relations course and why?
"Media management, because it was really interesting and the professor, George Daniels, taught us a lot about how the media industry works"
What characteristics do you possess that you think make you well-suited for a career in public relations?
"I'm very outgoing and don't have a problem talking to anyone."
How often do you get to play golf now and how do you think that will change after you graduate?
"I play year-round right now but after I graduate I don't think I'll play much in the winter."
What's your favorite golf movie?
"Caddyshack"
If you could offer any advice to incoming players, what would it be?
"To have good time management skills and use your redshirt (season)."
