What level of competition does the former Real Madrid player engage in outside of football, know about the golf career of Gareth Bale
As a result of his apparent obsession with golf, Gareth Bale earned the nickname “The Golfer” while he played for the Spanish giants Real Madrid. Even some of his own fans have made fun of him for it. Some people held his preference for a round of golf against him as he struggled to find consistency at the Santiago Bernabeu and began to sit on the bench more frequently.
Footballer Gareth Bale golf career stats and handicap
Golf week ⛳✔ pic.twitter.com/iCaDjA5Eqp
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) July 21, 2016
The Welsh even discussed this once when people had issues with him playing golf. Bale told the EAL podcast:
A lot of people have problems with me playing golf.”
The ex-Real Madrid player further told:
The media has this perception that it’s not good for me. Steph Curry plays maybe on the morning of a game. If I play two days before a game, it’s like ‘what’s he doing?’
He’s responded to the criticism well, though, and even showed up with a sign that read, “Wales. Golf. Madrid, in that order,” when Wales got qualified in Euro 2020. Following the banner, the player was again criticised especially by the Los Blancos fans for keeping the team at last.
“I am a golfer. Have you not seen the pictures?”
In 2019, Thibaut Courtois, the goalkeeper of the club gave Bale a new nickname, which he revealed to the world and further said:
I’m very happy with the nickname to be honest. It’s a great one.”
Therefore, it is clear that Bale enjoys playing golf, but how good is he? Have a look:
How good is Gareth Bale in golf following his passion for the sport?
In late 2022, Bale had a two handicap when playing golf. His handicap, which he disclosed to Erik Anders Lang in 2020 after the two of them played a six-hole match at Golf Santander in Madrid, was “three or four,” has gradually decreased.
Being so near to “scratch” (0) and having a handicap of two, the Wales star is an above average amateur golfer, yet he is still not as skilled as the pros. The forward’s handicap was listed as “a respectable six” by the Daily Express in 2015, specifying that his time spent playing in Madrid and other locations across the world, including California, has helped him improve.
For those of you asking, my golf handicap is 11
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) November 13, 2012
It’s obvious that he plays enough to be improving, but is he truly playing too much? He has emphasised that it is only a hobby that he enjoys doing to relax, but it seems unlikely. Bale, in 2019, explained, as per Goal.com:
“Football is my number one sport. I’m paid to do it and I always give my best. Golf is a hobby like anyone else would have a hobby.”
Meanwhile, Bale will be able to focus even more on improving his swing now that he has officially announced his retirement from football.
Golf is a huge part of my life so I’m proud to be part of this campaign with @RandA and @wales_golf to promote all the health benefits golf gives us. I would encourage everyone to give golf a go – Golf is Good for You! pic.twitter.com/r5TbeHlvXc
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) August 11, 2022
Gareth Bale golf course at home
In Wales, Bale has a three-hole golf course that features par-3 holes that are modelled on a selection from three high profile venues. 2018 saw its construction. The holes at Bale’s mini course are: 17th at Sawgrass, the Postage Stamp at Royal Troon and the 12th at Augusta.
On Monday, Gareth Bale announced his retirement from club and international competition, ending one of the most illustrious careers in British football history.
ALSO READ: PLAY FREE ONLINE GAMES