ABOUT IRON & EMBER GOLF AT THE JERRY PATE GOLF CENTER AT OL' COLONY
For the last two decades, the Jerry Pate Golf Center has been home to champions. Nestled along Two Iron Drive at the heart of Ol’ Colony Golf Complex in Tuscaloosa, this state-of-the-art training facility served as the home base for the University of Alabama’s men’s and women’s golf teams — programs that set the standard for excellence in collegiate golf.
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Now, that same facility of champions has been reimagined and is opening to the public for the first time. Iron & Ember Golf blends history with innovation, offering an experience that goes beyond the game. Here, golfers of all levels can practice, play, and connect in a space designed for performance and community.
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Inside, guests will find a modern indoor golf destination anchored by advanced simulators, while outside offers private access to Ol’ Colony’s expansive driving range and over three acres of dedicated short-game practice space. It’s a unique environment where serious practice meets social play — and where business, leisure, and family time converge.
HONORING A LEGACY: JERRY PATE
The roots of this facility trace back to Jerry Pate, an Alabama golf legend and Crimson Tide alum who designed the Ol’ Colony Golf Complex and the original practice facility. Pate’s impact on the game is far-reaching — from winning the 1974 U.S. Amateur as a college player to capturing the 1976 U.S. Open as a 22-year-old rookie, alongside seven additional PGA Tour victories and a Ryder Cup title.
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Beyond his playing career, Pate left an indelible mark on the sport through course design, including Ol’ Colony, which Golf Digest named one of Alabama’s best public courses. His vision for a world-class practice environment helped shape the Jerry Pate Golf Center into a hub for championship golf — and now, that vision evolves with Iron & Ember Golf, carrying forward a legacy of excellence while inviting the community to be part of its next chapter.
THE NEXT CHAPTER: FORGE YOUR GAME
Iron & Ember isn’t just a name. It’s a philosophy — inspired by fire, precision, and progress. It represents a place to sharpen your skills, fuel your focus, and spark connection. Whether you’re chasing your edge on the course, hosting a meeting in our boardroom, or creating memories with family and friends, Iron & Ember is where you Forge Your Game.