It is often the case that if someone is talented in one area they will be in other similar ones. It is, therefore, not surprising that many professional athletes are talented at playing multiple games. Many of them have an affinity for golf, with some going as far as opening personal golf courses or joining clubs to play a few rounds every week or a few weeks. In this article, we look at why a surprising number of professional athletes have such a passionate and personal relationship with golf.
Which Pro Athletes Love Golf?
- Ash Barty – Tennis Grand Slam winner – she’s already looking to make waves on the golf circuit.
- Ray Allen – The former NBA star has a real passion for golf and says the hand-eye coordination he gained playing basketball has helped his golf game.
- Michael Jordan – Jordan reportedly likes to play gold with Tiger Woods, who no doubt has plenty of tips for his NBA friend.
- Brett Hull – A star of the NHL Hall of Fame, Hill is working hard to improve his golf handicap.
- Joe Pavelski – Hockey star, Pavelski, is a regular on the celebrity golf circuit.
Now let’s look at why pro athletes love to play golf.
It Provides a Different Type of Mental and Physical and Mental Challenge
Golf has been touted as one of the best physical games to build mental fortitude. The game requires intense concentration, something professional athletes who can handle the pressure of playing other games enjoy. The need to maintain focus and concentration as well as strategic thinking is very appealing for athletes who already excel in high-stress situations when playing other games.
While golf is not as physically demanding as other sports like football and basketball, it still requires a high level of physical coordination and skill. The precision athletes need to hit the golf ball across long distances and over terrains accurately is a challenge many of them love.
Golf Provides a Different Type of Competitive Outlet
It is safe to assume that people who live to win competitions and dominate their rivals are very competitive. All athletes have a competitive drive that does not go away when they leave the court or field. Golf gives them a different avenue to channel their competitiveness and energy, only in this case, it is in a slightly different format.
While professional athletes relish this type of competitiveness, they also enjoy the camaraderie and friendly rivalry that the game demands. Golf is often played in groups, which means it has a social aspect where camaraderie and rivalry can exist in a friendly environment.
An added benefit is players and athletes get enough time to bond with their competitors and teammates in a relaxed setting.
Business Opportunities in Golf
Some professional athletes own businesses that they want to grow. Golf outings and tournaments provide opportunities to connect with other athletes, potential sponsors, and business leaders.
It is also typical for athletes to meet representatives of potential teams they wish to join. However, this is often done in secret because many professional sports bodies do not want the soliciting of players under contract, especially when transfer and trade windows are not yet open.
Golf also provides amazing fundraising opportunities. Professional athletes can organise golf events and tournaments to support their favorite charities. Because so many people come to these events, athletes have been able to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for charities they support and issues they care about through such events.
Golf is a Relaxing Sport
One might not think that golf is a relaxing sport when they watch golf professionals. The high competition makes it possible for anyone to successfully bet on players and outcomes on the best golf betting sites. However, golf is a relaxing sport for athletes who are used to high-speed or contact sports.
Golf slows everything down for them, providing a different game and type of activity in stark contrast to the often chaotic and noisy settings of games like basketball, football, and baseball.
The relaxing nature of golf also makes it accessible to players of all ages. Professional athletes, and anyone really, can enjoy golf well into their retirement years. Being a low-impact sport makes it an excellent option for players who have retired from other sports.
Also, golf uses a handicap system that allows players of all skills to compete among their peers and enjoy the game. This means that even if an athlete is getting older, they can play against others who are at their skill level without feeling like they are being left behind.
The relationship between professional athletes and golf is a passionate and complicated one. The game provides the physical and mental challenges professional athletes love, provides a friendly competitive environment, and is a relaxing and enjoyable escape from their primary sports. All these factors make golf an ideal sport for professional athletes looking to stay active, competitive, and engaged during their careers and long after their primary sports careers have ended.