It is never easy running a business, let alone one that involves a partner. At times, even the smallest of problems could turn out to be dangerous. Unfortunately, Denny Hamlin was involved in one such problem with 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan. However, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver’s awareness at the billionaire’s massive golf course came to his rescue.
It is not just basketball that excites Michael Jordan. The NBA legend likes to try his hand at multiple other sports, and golf certainly is one of them. In fact, his love for golf has encouraged him to build his own golf course named “The Grove XXIII”. Amazingly, it covers an area of around 15,000 square feet in South Florida. While Hamlin has been lucky to play over there, he recently spoke about the rules that need to be followed there.
Denny Hamlin explains how Michael Jordan is very particular about the rules at his golf course in Florida
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Historically, Michael Jordan has been very keen on carrying out things as per his will. He’s surely not the one to gulp in banter or criticism and not retaliate. At times, he has a reputation for getting notoriously petty as he was touted to be very recently.
However, it is fighting spirit and discipline that have made him the successful sports personality he is. The NBA Hall of Famer is known to time and again play golf at his $20 million golf course. While not everyone is lucky to be invited to play over there, Denny Hamlin has had the pleasure to do so multiple times.
In fact, it was at this very golf course that Hamlin convinced Jordan to invest in 23XI Racing. Both of them have enjoyed golfing together and recently, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver opened up about his experience there. He explained how it is different from golfing at the Augusta National Golf Club.
Hamlin, in his ‘Actions Detrimental’ podcast, said, “There are no rules, you drive right up to the green, there is no car pass. If you cannot play around in 3 hours, then you are the slowest player in the history of golf. And they let you play in T-shirts, jeans no, obviously. But everyone just respects that you don’t wear jeans on the golf course.”
Further, he explained how time is of the essence at the golf course. The three-time Daytona 500 winner said, “And if you wanna play a 10-some or a 12-some whatever, as long as you don’t hold up Michael’s [Jordan] group, when they get behind you and that brigade is coming, you gotta let them go. Because they are looking to get in 36 holes in 6 hours.
“If you hold them up, then we got a problem. So from what I hear, it [Augusta] is the total opposite of Michael Jordan’s golf course which I think I would take that over Augusta any day.” Obviously, playing with Jordan has a different feel to it altogether.
In fact, Hamlin couldn’t control his excitement while describing the bond he shared with the Chicago Bulls legend.
Denny Hamlin reveals his special bond with 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan
To date, not many can fathom the fact that Michael Jordan is involving owning a NASCAR team. While a lot of credit goes to Denny Hamlin for that, the JGR driver recently spoke about his relationship with Jordan.
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Speaking with Ashley Stroehlein, the 42-year-old said, “I mean how we all started this is just crazy and kind of started from a speculative article. But this is just a friendship that grew from a courtside chat at the Charlotte Hornets one afternoon. So, glad to be able to be in business with him and obviously now get him his fourth win in just a little over two years.”
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WATCH THIS STORY: “It’s F***ing Fantastic” – Denny Hamlin Puts His Money on Michael Jordan’s Golf Course Instead of the “Daytona 500 of Golf”
It is a bond that has grown stronger with time. Now, they would be hoping to see both Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick in the playoffs. While Reddick looks likely to do so, can Wallace manage it?