“54 holes played and 73 unwarranted club twirls by me but nobody had more fun playing bad golf. Thanks to @acchampionship for having me out.” A few months after announcing his retirement, Blake Griffin participated in a golfing tournament.

It was the same American Century Championship where Charles Barkley produced one of his best performances after years of torment. Just like Chuck, many NBA legends and superstars are pursuing their hobby of playing golf. So how did Griffin make the adjustment that led to him winning a trophy?

“A little over three years ago, I was like kind of coming towards the end of my career. And I was like, dude, I need like a competitive outlet or I could become a psychopath.” Blake Griffin conversed with Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz. “And, you know, I don’t know what I’m going to do without like competition. So I just kind of like made the decision.” 

Due to constant injuries, the former 6x All-Star could not produce his best numbers. He was even part of three different franchises in his last three years. That took a toll on him, that’s why he took a swing with golf. “I went and got fitted for some clubs, didn’t really have a swing or a good swing at all. Still don’t. But I like played my first round, probably shot like 120 something. And I was like, Nope, gotta, gotta get better at this.”

And indeed Blake Griffin got better as he recently won a golfing tournament alongside another former NBA player. “Can’t, can’t just be this bad. And then, like three rounds later, I was like, this is my, this is my thing now. I’m good,” via GOLF’s Subpar. The former Los Angeles Clippers star won the third-annual 8 AM Golf Invitational presented by Justin Timberlake.

Pairing with Chandler Parsons, the duo took the two-man scramble title away from Jimmy Fallon and Timberlake. But they were mostly remembered for their karaoke performance of Shaggy’s “Angel,” despite their winnings on the field. Not to forget, Blake Griffin’s deadpan humor was also a tremendous hit with the audience. And unlike golf, he has been practicing that craft for the longest time.

Blake Griffin and his second career after basketball was not Golf

In his rookie year with the Clippers, Blake Griffin suffered a season-ending injury during pre-season games. That ultimately gave him a lot of time on his hands. Apart from focusing on his return, he developed an interest in comedy. The 2011 NBA lockout worked out in his favor as he started working in the industry he was interested in.

During that time, the Oklahoma native accepted the three-day internship program and wrote multiple sketches and scripts. “It’s something down the road, a second career when I’m done playing basketball.”

The curiosity to perform comedy continued, as Blake Griffin would meet with the co-creator of Chappelle’s Show, Neal Brennan. Thus, forming a mentor and friendship bond with the 35-year-old.

Blake Griffin performed for the first time in 2016 at Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal. In the same year, he established his production company with former NFL star Ryan Kalil. Mortal Media, last year successfully launched two projects, a reboot of ‘White Men Can’t Jump,’ and the sci-fi comedy, ‘Hello Tomorrow!’. Recently, Griffin and Kalil’s company signed a future multiyear first-look deal with Sony.

Yes, life in the NBA was tough for Griffin, as he struggled with constant years right from his rookie year. But now, the 2011 ROTY is enjoying time performing comedy, playing golf, and his duties with the production company.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”