Despite Rafael Nadal’s ‘Terrible Golf Swing’, Andy Roddick Crowns the Spaniard as a Hidden Pro While Praising His Skills

“I love the game of golf in general,” Rafael Nadal has time and again reiterated his passion for golf. Now that he’s hung up his racket, the Spaniard has begun taking the sport more seriously. Just a week after playing his final match in the Davis Cup, on November 19, he was seen in the FGB Hexagonal Q-Romia Circuit at Club de Golf Son Servera. Yes, he’s not a pro, yet, but the King of Clay and 22-time Grand Slam champion knows how to swing it nicely! That’s exactly what former American player Andy Roddick believes.

In an episode of his Served Podcast on YouTube, dated December 10, the 2003 US Open winner expressed his thoughts on tennis pros trying out different sports. Giving his unfiltered opinion, Andy tried to imply that tennis players in general have a better adaptability at other sports. But it can’t be said for players from different sports trying tennis for a change. “Take the best athletes from other sports, put a tennis racquet in their hand and it’s hard. They can look like they’re not athletes very quickly”, he said. On the other hand, according to him, several great tennis players have shown they can do wonders in other sports too. “I have watched Mardy Fish go to Shea Stadium and hit six home runs at batting practice, Alcaraz with his golf swing,” he added.

“Even Rafa’s swing video, his golf swing video, people were like, ‘Oh god, what a terrible golf swing!’ He’s a scratch, by the way. That ugly swing shoots 71 every time,” he said on the former World No.1. For the unaware, 71 is generally considered a good score in golf, especially for someone who’s not a pro or highly experienced. Roddick’s comments on Rafa get justified with the Spaniard’s performance in last month’s competition. After all, finishing at the eighth position among close to 80 players is no joke. But what was his score in the event?

After retirement from tennis, Rafael Nadal shines with his golf skills

At the FGB Hexagonal Q-Romia Circuit at Club de Golf Son Servera, last month, he proved to be a formidable opponent. The King of Clay managed to claim the eighth spot in the end. He got 76 strokes (four above par), which is quite commendable. Especially given the fact he’s not a professional golfer. The highlights in his play were the birdies he hit on the par-5 ninth and sixteenth holes, and on the par-3 third hole. Not to mention that he was leading at one moment. However, he couldn’t hold his lead for the entirety of the competition.

But his urge to play golf has been present for a while now. For the unversed, he’s participated in the Balearic Mid-Amateur Golf Championship three times already in last four years. Earlier this year, in February, he stunned everyone with his remarkable performance. He finished three over par for a two-round total of 147 strokes, outperforming his opponents. Eventually, he went on to win the championship, with his seven-stroke victory over Jaime Nicolau Olmos.

It looks like Rafael Nadal has made his mind to take up golf seriously. Although he’s not announced yet, he may end up becoming a pro at the sport. Given his sheer passion and amazing golf swinging skills, it shouldn’t be a surprise for anyone. Do you think the 14-time Roland Garros winner can ace as a golfer? Let us know in the comments below.