There’s something about golf that attracts athletes from all sports. Maybe it’s because golf is impossible to master and athletes love the challenge, or maybe it’s just a relaxing way to spend an off-day.
Whatever the reason, sports stars love trying their hand at golf. Some are better at it than others, but as easy as athletes can make it look on an American football field or basketball court, golf is a different animal entirely.
Just ask NBA superstar Stephen Curry, who despite being the greatest shooter of all-time, is nowhere near some of the best to swing a golf club. The Golden State Warriors guard just finished last in the Web.com Tour’s Ellie Mae Classic, where he shot a 16-over 86 on Friday.
Curry’s effort got us thinking of other big-name athletes who are known for hitting the greens on occasion. We’ve kept it to current players because, let’s be honest, anyone who is retired is a part-time golfer anyways.
When he’s not carving up defences, winning Super Bowl rings or just generally living the dream, Brady can be found on the links – often with fellow Under Armour athlete Jordan Spieth. Brady has played at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am before, but it’s safe to say the only drives he should stick to are the ones that lead to touchdowns.
He can throw pinpoint passes with precision, but dropping a ball on the fairway isn’t as easy for the Houston Rockets point guard. Paul, along with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, hosts the State Farm Showdown, a charity golf tournament featuring NFL and NBA icons, so the hardwood isn’t the only place he works his magic.
Kelly Slater
When it comes to sporting personalities, golfers and surfers might be on the complete opposite ends of the spectrum. Slater is versatile enough to bridge both, with the 11-time World Surf League champion having competed in the European Tour’s Dunhill Links Championship pro-am in Scotland. You think he’s worried about a water hazard or sand trap?
The Arizona Cardinals wide receiver ran away with the pro-am title at Pebble Beach earlier this year like he runs away from defensive backs. After racking up several stellar seasons that are sure to get him into Canton as a Hall of Famer, Fitzgerald will have plenty of time to golf when he retires soon. For now though, he’s still more dangerous catching balls than hitting them.
Josh Donaldson
Unsurprisingly, the Toronto Blue Jays slugger has a knack for delivering a long ball on the golf course. Another athlete to have played at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the 2015 American League MVP also hit a 300-plus yard drive on Golf Channel’s ‘Morning Drive’. Apparently, Donaldson’s swing isn’t just useful at the plate.