Remember Charles Barkley’s golf swing from a few years ago? If you’ve seen it, you probably couldn’t look away—whether it was out of shock or secondhand embarrassment. The 11x NBA All-Star had a swing so chaotic that it practically became a meme. Jerky movements, random pauses, and a finish that left you questioning physics—it wasn’t just bad; it was legendary. Sir Charles, the basketball icon, was suddenly the poster child for what not to do in golf. But life after basketball wasn’t all misses for Barkley.

He found his niche as an NBA analyst on the hit show Inside the NBA, where his humor and camaraderie with Shaquille O’Neal made him a fan favorite. On the court, Sir Charles was untouchable. On the golf course? Let’s just say the transition wasn’t as smooth. His ventures into golf became more about surviving than thriving.

Chuck’s golf struggle

Chuck wasn’t always a walking golf blooper reel. Early in his golf journey, he had a decent game. But things took a sharp turn when he began overloading on lessons. “The next thing I know, I got 10 voices in my head standing over a golf ball,” Chuck admitted as per Golf.com. “I went from breaking 80 to not being able to break 100.”

By 2018, Charles Barkley’s game hit rock bottom. Enter Stan Utley, a golf coach from Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. Utley didn’t sugarcoat it: “I don’t know how he got there, but it was bad…close to the worst swing I’ve worked with.” Yet, he saw potential in Barkley’s determination and knew where to start fixing things.

The issue wasn’t just physical; it was mental. Barkley’s infamous hitch—a bizarre pause mid-swing—was his desperate attempt to create lag. According to Utley, “When you don’t let the wrist out, you can’t reach the ground, so you dive for it.” The result? A swing that was more circus act than sport. But with Utley’s guidance, Barkley began to untangle years of bad habits, one awkward swing at a time.

His redemption as a golfer

According to his coach, Stan Utley, the solution was just one swing thought: “Cast the club.” This tip freed Barkley’s wrists and, surprisingly, his mind. “The freedom to focus on just one thing simplified everything else,” Utley said.

Even Barkley couldn’t believe how quickly it started to click. “Stan calmed my brain down,” he recalled. “‘Hey man, you can’t think about 10 things over the ball,’ he told me.” That 40-minute lesson was a turning point. Though it took nearly two years to see consistent results, the progress was undeniable. With only a few more lessons from Utley, Sir Charles began piecing together his swing—and his confidence.

But Barkley didn’t stop there. He brought the same grit and determination that defined his basketball career to the golf course. “I put him back in a golf swing,” Utley explained. “It’s not perfect, but his talent is so high that he can hit good shots with a bad swing. He’s finding a way to square up on the ball.” And his hard work didn’t go unnoticed.

During a range session, Utley introduced Barkley to a group of mini-tour players. True to his personality, Barkley didn’t just meet them—he inspired them. “How hard are you willing to work for your goals?” he asked. “Determination is what separates great athletes.” Today, Barkley’s game isn’t just functional; it’s enjoyable—for the first time in 25 years. In fact, his handicap was 10, as per Golf Digest.

Charles Barkley playing in tournaments

Charles Barkley is officially back in the spotlight—not for his infamous swing but for his remarkable comeback. After a solid performance at the celebrity tournament in Lake Tahoe this past July, Barkley couldn’t contain his excitement. He texted his coach, Stan Utley, saying, “This weekend was awesome. I can’t thank you enough.”

Even Barkley’s coach has noticed the change. “I’ve had Charles’ friends come up to me and hug me because their friend can play and enjoy golf again,” Utley shared. For a coach, there’s no better reward. But Utley isn’t done just yet. “I’m dying to work on chipping with him,” he said. “Once he gets that down, he’ll be dangerous.” Clearly, Barkley’s golf journey is far from over.

Barkley recently the critics head-on at TNT’s 10th installment of The Match. This two-night event aired on November 21 and 22 and was all about celebrity star power. The lineup included legends like Bill Murray, Wayne Gretzky, and Michael Phelps alongside Barkley. Also joining the fun were Mark Wahlberg, Nate Bargatze, Ken Griffey Jr., and Blake Griffin.

As per GolfWeek, the action kicked off with team battles—Murray and Gretzky versus Barkley and Griffey, while Wahlberg and Phelps took on Bargatze and Griffin. But things got serious in the semifinals and final, where every player competed solo. The ultimate winner? Wayne Gretzky and he took home a cool $1 million.

And what’s a Barkley event without a lively broadcast team? TNT’s Ernie Johnson returned to call the shots, joined by Masters champs Trevor Immelman and Bubba Watson for expert insights. Kathryn Tappen was also on the ground, making sure no moment went unnoticed.