It’s been nearly five months since Nick Saban vacated his position as Alabama football’s head coach. Since leaving the job, he’s stayed on in an advisory role for the Crimson Tide and taken an analyst gig at ESPN.

On Wednesday, he made his usual appearance at the pro-am event before the Regions Tradition at Greystone Golf and Country Club. Speaking to reporters before teeing off, Saban was asked what he missed the most about his old job.

“Relationships with players,” Saban said. “I actually played golf with Mark Ingram and Tua (Tagovailoa). I had them up Monday and we played. Those relationships that you have with players man, there’s nothing that beats that. But we care about them all, so we’ll continue those relationships.”

Saban donned his signature straw hat and played 18 holes in the pro-am on Wednesday. He was part of Steve Strickler’s group.

Just like every other year, Saban signed autographs and posed for photos with fans in attendance at Greystone. He called the event one of his favorites, and said that hadn’t changed since he retired.

“It’s all the same,” Saban said. “I try to make people feel good, make them feel better. Nobody remembers anything you say, but they do remember how you make them feel. Hopefully, we can still make some people feel good.”

Kalen DeBoer was also playing in the event, after taking over for Saban as Alabama’s head coach. His first game in the role will come on Aug. 31, when the Crimson Tide will face Western Kentucky.