Golf is not the first sport that comes to mind when the word team is thrown around, but the Alabama men’s golf team is a close-nit group of guys.

“There’s a special bond between everyone,” Tom Lovelady said. “We’re all really good friends, and really close. The belief we have in each other is pretty rare.”

Lovelady is a fifth-year senior, but he also happens to be the teams only senior this year. Lovelady said he likes to lead by example and through his hard work ethic.

Lovelady didn’t become the leader that he is overnight. His experience on two separate national championship teams has helped him reach this point.

“He’s been a great leader and has been fun to watch,” coach Jay Seawell said. ” Five years ago he wasn’t near the man that he is now.”

Seawell and Lovelady agree that his game has improved. Now he just has to go out there and show everyone else.

“I would say my work ethic has improved, [and] also the mental part of the game,” Lovelady said. “When things aren’t going your way, I’ve handled them a lot better than I’ve handled them in the past.”

Lovelady and the rest of the Alabama men’s golf team start the spring season on Thursday when the team travels to compete in the Puerto Rico Classic.