Former Alabama All-American Justin Thomas is scheduled to tee off in the first round of the 151st Open Championship at 8:48 a.m. CDT Thursday at Royal Liverpool. He’ll do so as one of the new owners of the Leeds United soccer team.

The English Football League approved the sale of Leeds United to 49ers Enterprises, the soccer team announced on Monday.

An investment arm of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, 49ers Enterprises had been a shareholder in Leeds for five years and bought the majority stake of Andrea Radrizzani to become the controlling owner of the club.

In making the purchase, 49ers Enterprises added minority investors, including Thomas, his friend and fellow PGA Tour pro Jordan Spieth and NBA standout Russell Westbrook.

“We thought it would be a cool opportunity,” Spieth told Sky Sports News. “It’s a big city, historic club, great venue in Elland Road, and once we looked into it, we realized it could be really exciting.”

Spieth said golfer Rickie Fowler considered joining the venture but decided against it when Leeds United was relegated.

After finishing 19th in the English Premier League in the 2022-23 season, Leeds United must play in the second-tier EFL Championship in the 2023-24 campaign, which kicks off against Cardiff City on Aug. 6.

“Relegation wasn’t ideal,” Spieth said. “But we got involved with the 49ers group about purchasing a larger share and getting in with them doing things so successfully, as they do everywhere they’ve touched. …

“They renegotiated after relegation, and it was possibly a better deal as long as they can get promoted soon.”

Thomas warmed up for the Open Championship with a 1-under 279 over four rounds at the Scottish Open.

Two other Alabama alumni had better showings at North Berwick. Lee Hodges tied for 12th in the Scottish Open at 7 under, and Davis Riley carded a 4 under for the tournament.

An Ardmore High School and UAB golfer before playing for the Crimson Tide, Hodges tees off at 5:04 a.m. Thursday at Royal Liverpool. Davis is scheduled to start the first round at 3:25 a.m. Thursday.

Hodges and Davis are playing in the Open Championship for the first time.

Thomas will be playing in the Open Championship for the seventh time. Thomas’ best finish came in 2019, when he placed 11th.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.