Has Anyone Ever Played Golf on the Moon?

It’s true! Golf is not only played on the course but has also been played on the Moon one. Indeed, the sport has reached greater heights ever since its claim to fame.

Notably, the astronaut in the Apollo 14 played golf almost 51 years ago, back on February 6th, 1971. Let us find out more about their adventure.

Throwback to when golf was played on the Moon

Golf is probably one of the most dynamic and one of the toughest sports to master. Creating history, Alan Shepard, the commander of Apollo 14, found a way to hit his six-iron on the surface of the Moon. He was carrying his six-iron with him and took out some time during the landing to hit two balls on the surface of the Moon. Not to forget he was hitting the shot during a global transmission of the same. While hitting his second ball, he said it went “miles and miles.”

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Although if not understood already, according to a new analysis by the United States Golfing Association, he was exaggerating. USGA used high-resolution images to measure the distance between the divot and where the ball ended. Based on the data, the first ball he hit traveled 24 yards, that is 22 meters. And the second ball he hit traveled about 40 yards, 37 meters. Surely, that is a fair distance keeping in mind the heavy suit he was wearing.

USGA historian Victoria Nenno spoke about the same. She said, “You can only get a one-handed shot, which really doesn’t give you the strength and speed of a normal golf shot on Earth.”

“You normally have a lot of turn [at the waist], and strength coming from legs. Unfortunately, Shepard was only able to manage a one-handed shot.” Regardless, it is really interesting how Alan managed to even hit the ball that long on the surface of the Moon.

Where is the six-iron kept?

The rather historical six-iron which Alan Shepard used to hit the golf balls on the surface of the Moon was with him until 1974. However, he later donated the six-iron to USGA Museum in Liberty Corner, New Jersey. Notably, he donated the club to the museum on the recommendation of Bing Crosby, a member of the USGA committee in 1972.

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