LeBron James, the iconic forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, has recently opened up about his foray into the world of golf, sharing insights into his unique swing and estimating his current handicap. His candid remarks have resonated with fans, especially as he embraces this popular pastime often favored by retired athletes.
As the NBA’s all-time leading scorer approaches the twilight of his illustrious career at 40 years old and with 22 seasons under his belt, golf has emerged as a new passion. While the topic of retirement has been a recurring theme in discussions about his future, James seems to be enjoying the challenges of golf, a sport that many former athletes have taken up after leaving their respective fields. Legends like Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley have famously transitioned to golf, and now it appears that LeBron is carving out his own niche.
In a recent interview with GQ magazine, James humorously addressed his golf skills, noting that while he is relatively new to the sport, he is dedicated to improving. His teammate Stephen Curry, a seasoned golfer, has playfully teased him about his swing, but James is undeterred. “If I had to guess, my handicap right now would probably be like a 20, 25—something like that,” he shared, acknowledging that while it’s not a stellar number, he’s committed to honing his skills.
A golf handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer’s ability, allowing players of varying skill levels to compete fairly. For context, a player with a handicap of +10 is expected to finish a par 72 course in 82 strokes. While James’s handicap may not rival Curry’s impressive +1.3, his enthusiasm for the game is evident. “I feel like I’m getting better, but more importantly, I just love the challenge,” he said. “It’s so uncomfortable. Everything that you thought was the right thing to do? It’s not.”
James’s passion for golf was on full display recently when he shared photos and videos of himself playing in a torrential rainstorm on Instagram. The images drew immediate reactions from fans, many of whom welcomed him to the golfing community. “Yup, it’s official! You’re a golfer! Welcome!” one fan commented, while another noted, “Addiction level is high! I love it.”
Despite the challenging conditions, James maintains a lighthearted approach to the game. “If you take yourself too seriously out there, you’re definitely going to lose every single time. We have fun with it,” he remarked. This laid-back attitude mirrors the mindset that has propelled him to four NBA championships, suggesting that his future in amateur golf could be bright.
As LeBron continues to explore this new passion, fans are eager to see how his golfing journey unfolds. Whether he becomes a formidable amateur golfer or simply enjoys the game for its challenges and camaraderie, one thing is clear: the King is ready to embrace this new chapter with the same tenacity that has defined his basketball career.