Auburn football coach among Masters patrons

A few “War Eagles” were thrown around Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday – and not just toward alumnus Jason Dufner.

Auburn football coach Gus Malzahn spent most of the morning walking between the clubhouse and the 18th green, chatting with fans and watching golf. Joining him was Tigers defensive back coach Travaris Robinson.

“It’s unbelievable out here,” Robinson said. “This is my second time coming, but first Sunday. I’m very thankful to be here.”

Malzahn watched by the ninth green as Dufner sank a short par putt. The 2013 Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year then walked back inside the clubhouse ropes.

Earlier in the morning, Malzahn and Robinson were greeted by a family of Auburn fans near the practice putting green. One fan, Nick Herndon, happened to be wearing a shirt from Malzahn’s first game as Auburn’s head coach against Washington State. The shirt read: I’m in the Mal Zone.

“This is great,” said Malzahn, laughing. “I’ve never seen this one before.”

Another Auburn fan, Ty Taylor, of Nashville, Tenn., spotted Malzahn near the No. 10 tee box and rushed over for a handshake.

“Gus and the Masters all in one day?” Taylor said. “This is beyond perfect.”

Robinson said he and Malzahn planned to follow Dufner – an avid fan of Auburn football – for part of the second nine.