Five tennis superstars who are into golf as a hobby ft. Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray
Tennis has a very busy calendar that runs throughout the year. Many tennis stars often spend their free time on the golf course, which helps them relax and enjoy their time off. Some of the players have even played in celebrity golf tournaments, raising their reputation in sports away from tennis.
Legendary players like Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have openly talked about their love for golf and how they often play the sport as a hobby. However, there are also other prominent stars who have taken up golf as a hobby over the past few years.
Here is a list of five tennis stars who play golf as a hobby.
#1. Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal has openly talked about his love for golf. The Spaniard is often seen spending his time off on the golf course and has deep admiration for the sport. Nadal has even won a few golf tournaments, including the Balearic Mid-Amateur Golf Championship.
The Spaniard expressed his love for golf by claiming that he often watches the sport. Nadal further added that the low-risk of injury is another reason that he likes to play the sport.
"I love the game of golf in general. I was watching all the afternoon the last round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Golf is great, because you are always in beautiful places when you are playing, and the risk for injury, as you know, is very small," Nadal said via Express.
#2. Casper Ruud
Casper Ruud is another player who has expressed his love for golf. The Norwegian star started playing golf at a young age due to his father. Ruud even carries his own golf clubs during his tennis tournaments across the world.
Ruud has played golf with Rafael Nadal in the past. He also has close ties with Norwegian golfer Viktor Hovland.
Ruud went to the same high school as his fellow Norwegian and they were scheduled to play a match together but that could not happen. Ruud has said that he dreams of playing a tournament on the PGA tour after his tennis career.
“Sometimes I dream that I could play in a tournament on the PGA Tour or European tour. A sponsor’s exemption – that would be a dream moment for me. Hovland and I went to high school together for a couple of years before he went off to college, but if it happens, I’m sure it would be fun," Ruud said (via USGA in 2023).
#3. Novak Djokovic
Tennis star Novak Djokovic showed off his golf skills at the Ryder Cup 2023. The Serbian was a part of Team Monty, which consisted of Gareth Bale, Garrett Hilbert, famous surfer Leonardo Fioravanti, and Kipp Popert.
During the event, Djokovic was seen making several drives with a good swing and a good range. The Serbian initially struggled with his swing but improved eventually and showed a decent level of golf skills. Djokovic even made several puts during his Ryder Cup outing.
#4. Andy Murray
Andy Murray is one of the best golf players on the tennis circuit. The Brit star has a deep-rooted love for the game and is now taking steps towards playing it more frequently since his retirement from professional tennis.
Recently, Murray won his first golf title as he won at the British Tennis Journalists' Association's (BTJA) inaugural Mike Dickson Golf Day. The tournament was held in memory of journalist Mick Dickson who passed away at the age of 59. During the event, Murray thrilled the fans with his golf skills and ended up lifting the trophy.
Although Murray's handicap is currently seven, he has stated that he is trying to lower it down to scratch in the next years. The Scot has been taking frequent sessions from compatriot Robert MacIntyre, who is ranked 16th in the world and is helping the former tennis star advance his technique quickly.
#5. Roger Federer
Roger Federer has started playing golf since his retirement from tennis. The Swiss maestro posted a video on his Instagram that left his fans in awe. Federer was seen gracefully striking the golf ball with a perfect swing.
Many tennis stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Sebastian Korda, and Genie Bouchard replied to Federer's post. Even Andy Murray and soccer star Thomas Muller were left impressed by Federer's golf skills.
Now with Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal joining Federer in retirement, the former tennis stars could soon hit the golf course together.