The link between football and golf is closer than it seems. Many footballers make the most of their days off to take to the course with their clubs slung over their shoulders, and some have reached a surprisingly high standard, with handicaps usually reserved for very experienced players. From stars who continue to shine for their national teams to retired legends, golf has become one of the favourite pastimes in the world of football. Here we reveal the top 10 footballers with the best golf handicaps.
1. GARETH BALE
The former Real Madrid player and Welsh international legend is probably the footballer best known for his passion for golf. Since retiring from football, he has gone on to play with a handicap close to 0, even taking part in professional tournaments such as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Bale has admitted on numerous occasions that golf is one of his great passions and he devotes much of his free time to the sport.
2. HARRY KANE
The Bayern Munich striker and captain of the England national team is one of the best golfers amongst active footballers. His handicap is around 2, the result of a passion he has had since childhood. He is often seen playing rounds with professional golfers and taking part in challenges alongside PGA Tour stars.
3. ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO
The Ballon d’Or winner and former Ukraine manager boasts a handicap of around 1. He is a regular at Pro-Am tournaments and golf-related charity events, where he demonstrates a level of play far superior to that of most of the guest athletes.
4. GABRIEL BATISTUTA
The legendary Argentine striker has always shown a tremendous passion for golf. With a handicap of around 2, he frequently takes part in amateur competitions and exhibition tournaments, establishing himself as one of the finest golfers amongst football’s legends.
5. GIANFRANCO ZOLA
The former Italian international has kept up his passion for golf since retiring. With a handicap of around 4, he often takes part in events that bring together some of the biggest stars from the worlds of football and golf.
6. JOHN TERRY
The former captain of Chelsea and the England national team is a regular on the golf course. His handicap is around 4–6, which has enabled him to compete in numerous Pro-Am tournaments and become one of the most competitive footballers off the pitch.
7. JIMMY BULLARD
Although less well known internationally, the former English midfielder stands out as one of the best golfers to have come from a football background. He has even competed with a handicap of 0, matching Gareth Bale’s level, and is a regular fixture at celebrity tournaments.
8. DWIGHT YORKE
The former Manchester United and Trinidad and Tobago striker has a handicap of around 1. Since retiring, he has remained closely involved with golf, taking part in numerous charity tournaments and demonstrating great consistency on the course.
9. CARLOS TÉVEZ
The former Argentine international is another of golf’s great enthusiasts. Since hanging up his boots, he has been appearing more frequently at exhibition tournaments and events alongside other legends of the sport, where he continues to demonstrate his high standard of play.
10. ALAN SHEARER
Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer for many years and an English football legend, has a handicap of around 6. He is a member of one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the north of England and rarely misses an opportunity to enjoy a round of golf.
Golf has become much more than just a hobby for many top-flight footballers. Concentration, precision and the ability to cope with pressure are qualities shared by both sports, which explains why so many stars enjoy golf both during and after their professional careers.
And if you too want to improve your game, take up the sport or simply enjoy a unique experience in a stunning setting, at Font del Llop Golf Resort you’ll find the perfect place to practise, learn and experience golf just as some of the world’s finest athletes do.