All eyes in the golf world are now turned to the BMW PGA Championship, which has a pro-am component to it. The tournament will mix up professional golfers and amateurs. It resonates closely with a celebrity pro-am event, where the amateurs are major celebrities.

Among the pros playing in the tournament is Rory McIlroy as well. In the list of three amateurs that he plays with is a former soccer star, Welshman Gareth Bale. The two partnered for some golf and in the press conference, McIlroy spoke about the experience and commented on Bale’s golf prowess.

Rory McIlroy finds Gareth Bale’s golf swing impressive 

In the aforementioned press conference, Rory McIlroy was asked whether he enjoyed playing with Gareth Bale in the pro-am tournament. It also enquired McIlroy’s thoughts on Bale’s golf prospects now that the former Real Madrid star has retired from soccer. 

In response, the 34-year-old acknowledged that Bale hits the ball very well. He appreciated his swing and admitted to enjoying playing with him. “He’s got a really good swing. A couple [of] little bits that he would need to tidy up around the green,” he said.

McIlroy also mentioned how they were both members of the same club and that they would play some golf next week too. He further pointed out how Bale has got some time until he turns 50, in case he is interested in going to the Senior Tour.

Looking back at Gareth Bale’s soccer career, the 34-year-old career played for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid in an illustrious career. After a successful stint in Europe, where he won a whopping five UEFA Champions League titles, Bale moved to the USA to join the Los Angeles FC (LAFC). He officially announced his retirement from the game after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

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Despite his goals and titles, there were controversies surrounding Bale’s time at Madrid, who was accused of spending more time and energy on his hobby, golf. How much did he care about golf really?

Gareth Bale and his love story with golf

There are probably two main reasons his peers and fans might have assumed he cares more about golf than football. 

Starting with the most obvious one, he once actually conveyed along this line himself. In 2020, after Wales qualified to represent at the UEFA European Championship, he and his team carried a flag that read “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order.” The incident sparked a backlash in the Spanish capital, with many left in disbelief over their star player’s actions. 

The second reason is his passion for golf that reflected in his grand gesture to display it. He made a replica of the 17th hole of the TPC at Sawgrass in his back garden. The hole is popular for its uniqueness and the challenge it offers. It has witnessed some great moments, including Tiger Woods‘ famous chip-in during the 2001 Players Championship.

Bale also boasts a handicap of 3 to 4, which is quite impressive for an amateur. His love for golf is undebatable. While he may or may not turn pro, surely his romance with golf will live on for a long time.

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