One of the great things about golf is that you can start playing at almost any age. That’s probably why so many current and former athletes take up the sport.
And it’s particularly popular among past and present NFL players. Indeed, the NFL Players Association recently held their annual competition at Mayakoba in Mexico.
The likes of Drake Maye, Aidan Hutchinson and Sauce Gardener competed at the venue which also welcomes LIV Golf every year.
When asked about NFL athletes playing golf, PGA Tour player Will Zalatoris explained that there’s a common misconception.
Will Zalatoris says NFL players get something wrong about playing golf
Zalatoris suggested on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams that NFL players often underestimate how difficult golf is.
The 28-year-old shared that, in his opinion, they assume their athleticism will be more useful than it really is.
Of course, it helps – just look at Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau – but anyone who plays golf knows that technique is far more important.
“It’s funny. It’s almost like their competitiveness, especially former athletes when they come back and want to have some sort of competition, golf ends up being it.
“And they think because they were really good at another sport, it just translates immediately.”
Will Zalatoris shares what Von Miller, Tony Romo and Rob Gronkowski are like on the golf course
Zalatoris recalled spending time on the golf course with three NFL legends: Von Miller, Tony Romo and Rob Gronkowski.
Romo takes the sport more seriously than most, so Zalatoris’ comments are definitely not about him. The former Dallas Cowboy plays off scratch.
Perhaps his statement applies to Miller and Gronkowski, who actually caddied for him at TPC Sawgrass two weeks ago.
Zalatoris added: “It’s really funny watching guys that are… I’ve seen Von Miller play out at Dallas National, and Von’s like a massive golf nerd. He loves learning the game. If Bryson’s hitting golf balls – of course, everyone wants to stop and watch him hit an 8-iron 300 yards – Von’s got to stop and ask him questions.
“Romo is insane. There are videos of him stretching on greens when he’s playing in tournaments. He just loves playing competitive golf.
“[Rob Gronkowski] caddied for me for a hole after The Players Championship a couple of weeks ago. He was exactly as you would expect. He picked up my bag and said it’s lighter than a keg.”
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