“I just want to get to a 12 handicap as quick as possible,” tennis GOAT and 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer said last year on his newfound hobby of playing golf. Following an end to a career spanning two decades, the Swiss Maestro has found new ways to stay active and engaged in sports. However, it’s not tennis that keeps him excited these days – but golf. The eight-time Wimbledon champion has now reiterated his growing interest in a social media update. So what did the former World No.1 say about his hobby this time?

On Monday, Uniqlo shared a post featuring Federer. He is the brand’s ambassador since 2018 following a $10 million deal. Obviously, the former ATP pro was talking about a new shirt called ‘Dry-Ex’ from Uniqlo, while promoting it. But he also talked about how his post-retirement phase has been going since he hanged up his racket in 2022.

While it initially seemed he would miss tennis after stepping off the court, Federer appears to have found his new solace in golf. He made it clear as well in the clip while promoting Uniqlo’s newly launched shirt. “At the moment I think I’m really big into golf,” he said while also indicating, “I’m really active lately.” Plus, he’s into other activities as well, like pilates to keep his body in shape.

Promoting the new shirt for Uniqlo, he also revealed who he would recommend it to in his family. “I would recommend it to my boys (Lenny and Leo), you know,” he said. But why so? Well, it appears they, too, are showing a lot of interest in golf alongside “tennis and they go to school, and they want to have something that is also very comfortable.”

While the Swiss Maestro’s latest revelation may have solidified his golf love, it’s not the first time he’s revealed it publicly. On a previous occasion, he actually mentioned the reason for his inclination to the sport.

Why did Roger Federer take up golf as a hobby?

Last year in August, Roger Federer had an interaction with Hypebeast, where he discussed his retirement ideas to stay active. Of course he can’t continue to step on the tennis court now. But thanks to golf, his urge to compete has been fulfilled. However, there’s another major reason why the ex-pro decided to try it as a hobby. “I just want to be good enough so I don’t have to collect all the balls in the bushes,” he revealed.

It was evident when he initially shared a video on his Instagram, in June 2024. Featuring in an outfit suitable for golf, he was seen getting ready to take a shot while being at a golf course. He wrote, “Trying to pick up a new hobby🥴🏌🏻‍♂️ Wish me luck…🤞🏼🤌🏼” while adding “Any Pointers?”, asking for tips. In no time, the comments section was flooded with responses from notable figures. It also included American pro and 2020 Olympic gold medal winning golfer Nelly Korda. The World No.1 playfully replied, “Do you need a coach?”

Meanwhile ATP pros, like Carlos Alcaraz also expressed his reaction to Federer’s entry into golf. The Spaniard wrote in astonishment, “Is there something you are not good at?” For the unversed, Alcaraz also plays golf whenever he takes time off tennis.

It will be intriguing to see if Federer will eventually enter the professional realm of golf moving forward. Do you see him competing at a major event in the near future in case he gets better? Let us know in the comments below.