How good of a golfer is Michael Jordan?

When you say Michael Jordan, the first word that crosses a person’s mind is basketball. He is universally considered the best basketball player in history. But did you also know Jordan has a huge love for golf? With so many fans left wondering: How good of a golfer is Michael Jordan? Let’s explore his love for the game and just how good he is on the golf course.

Michael Jordan’s Love for Golf 

Michael Jordan started playing golf during his early days in the NBA in the late 1980s. He was first exposed to it through his close friend and Hall of Fame golfer, Davis Love III, and loved the challenge of playing the game. Golf became more than just a hobby for Jordan; it became one of his life’s passions.

There have even been times when Jordan was playing basketball that he was spotted out golfing. He also turned to golf as a means to relax, focus and, occasionally, compete against teammates and other athletes. Golf excited him as much as basketball, but it was exciting in a completely different way.

How Good of a Golfer is Michael Jordan?

Is Michael Jordan a good golfer? Jordan isn’t a professional golfer, but he’s one hell of an amateur.

• Handicap: We’ve heard reports that Jordan has taken his handicap as low as 1.2, although it’s hard to say for sure how credible those reports really are, because come on, who has time to fact-check MJ? (For comparison, the typical golfer’s handicap is about 14–15.)
• Consistency: Jordan is a competitive dude. He practices often, plays most days of the week and views the game as a pursuit of the utmost seriousness.
• Tournaments: He plays in celebrity pro-ams, charity outings and private high-stakes games with PGA Tour pros. Countless pros, including Tiger Woods, have raved about Jordan’s golf game.
• Which is to say: This is further proof that Jordan is no casual golfer. He has the work ethic and ability to compete with the best.

Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods

One of the most interesting golf facts about Michael Jordan is his relationship with Tiger Woods. The pair have been known to golf together often. Jordan has conceded that he’ll never beat Tiger, but that he relishes the challenge and always learns plenty from the TM.

That Jordan is one of the most competitive amateur golfers Tiger says he has ever seen. Just think about it: the GOAT of basketball and the GOAT of golf strolling the same links — legendary!

Jordan’s Own Golf Course

Just to prove how much he enjoys the game, Michael Jordan even had his own golf course constructed out in Florida: The Grove XXIII. The “XXIII” is derived from his popular number 23 jersey.

The course is famous for its distinctive look and contemporary design. It is a private facility where Jordan and his posse of inner-circle friends — pro golfers and a tight-knit crew he has known much of his life — go to play. That’s how long it takes him to play the game.

Why Golf Suits Michael Jordan’s Personality

Everybody knows that Michael Jordan is a competitive son of a bitch. He nearly killed himself in pursuit of championships while playing basketball. He gets that same competitive fire in golf, but in a separate setting.

Golf is a head game, one of focus, patience and what? Confidence — something Jordan never has lacked. That’s why, he said, it’s natural for him to be involved in the sport and to still be striving for more.

Also Read: Was John Daly a good golfer?

So, How Good is He Really?

He’s not at the level of professional golfers, if we want to compare him to professional golfers. But when compared with normal people, he is remarkable.” Golfers dream of playing to a handicap near scratch (0–2).

Put in simpler terms: Michael Jordan is an outstanding amateur golfer—one of the best celebrities and athletes not from the world of golf. He might not play on the PGA Tour, but he sure can bring the heat on the links.

So, just how good is Michael Jordan at golf? The answer: he’s very good. While basketball turned him into a global superstar, golf allows his competitive juices to flow. Low handicapper, years of practice and access to his very own private course, Jordan is clearly indeed, a serious golfer and not just basketball royalty.