Imagine this: You’re out on a sun-drenched course, the fairways stretching wide, and you glance over to see an NFL superstar and an NBA sharpshooter exchanging swings and laughs like it’s just another weekend hangout. Sounds like a crossover episode you didn’t know you needed, right? In a scene that could be straight out of a sports fan’s dream, the worlds of football, basketball, and celebrity collided in the most laid-back way.

And when you think about it, this isn’t your typical day at the course. Wynn’s 8AM Golf at LA blends celebrity swings with high-stakes banter. It’s where athletes and icons swap locker rooms for fairways before most people have even had their first cup of coffee. Last year’s roster stunned attendees, and this spring’s lineup topped it.

On April 20, Chandler Parsons posted an Instagram Story capturing Travis Kelce and Justin Timberlake trading flawless drives. One moment in particular stood out: After Jason Kelce nailed a shot, Parsons jokingly asked, “How bad is it?” Kelce, with a smirk, replied, “Real bad,” before both broke into laughter. It was a perfect glimpse of the camaraderie and playful spirit that make this annual gathering so special.

Two years after a career-ending car crash, Chandler Parsons found solace on the fairway. “I retired at 31 years old in a bad car accident. I had a lot of basketball to play, but I’m not one of those bitter old guys,” he reflected. “I love the game. I love still watching.” But golf? Golf offered him something more. “Golfing is the closest thing to the locker room—the camaraderie, the gambling, the [expletive] talking,” he shared. For him, the golf course has become a new arena for competition, social connection, and challenge, replacing the void left by basketball.

And beyond the game itself, Parsons argues golf offers retirees unmatched networking. “Every retired athlete should play golf. It’s the best networking and marketing,” he added, noting the doors golf opens for reconnecting with former teammates, other athletes, and even potential business partners. As he quipped, “If you’re available to play at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday, you did something right in life.” And clearly, Parsons has done just that—building relationships with the Kelce brothers, Timberlake, and other influential names along the way.

Now, it begs the question: Which other NBA legends have enjoyed their slice of paradise on the greens? Let’s take a look at how other retired NBA stars are filling their time.

Golf as a new pathway for former NBA stars

Dwyane Wade’s passion for golf goes beyond just enjoying. Wade has often spoken about how the principles of basketball have shaped his approach to golf. “

I’m still learning,” he admits, but it’s clear that his deep understanding of balance, honed over years of playing at the highest level of basketball, has translated well to his swing. He even draws direct parallels between the two sports: “You gotta feel the ground before you take off,” he explains. For Wade, this mirrors the foundation of a good basketball shot, which “comes from your feet up.”

That being said, Wade hasn’t been shy about sharing his views on fellow NBA players who also have a passion for golf.

Wade said, “Steph Curry in LA Fitness, is incredible. Steph Curry in the NBA, next level… but he could not be a pro [golfer].” However, when it comes to golf, Steph Curry is a true student of the game. He’s been playing since he was 10 and is a scratch golfer, meaning he regularly shoots even par or better. To put that into perspective, only about 2% of all golfers can say the same. Curry has worked with legendary coach Butch Harmon, one of the best minds in the sport. Even Harmon praised Curry’s talent. “He’s an incredibly talented golfer, with tremendous, natural ability,” he said. So, if Curry ever decided to swap his sneakers for spikes, he might just go pro.

J.R. Smith, the former NBA player known for his sharpshooting, has also found a new passion post-basketball. After retiring from the NBA in 2020, he dove headfirst into the world of golf. He enrolled in college to pursue a degree at North Carolina A&T, where he joined the university’s golf team. In an interview, he explained how his transition to the sport was fueled by the same drive he had on the basketball court: “

I’m competitive. That’s just who I am. I can’t sit here and just be a guy who’s mediocre at something.” Smith has even spoken about how golf helps him mentally, providing a sense of calm and focus that he never really experienced during his NBA career.

Athletes like Parsons, Wade, Curry, and Smith are transitioning from the high-pressure NBA to the competitive yet peaceful world of golf. They’ve found more than a hobby—it’s a new challenge that offers community, growth, and a fresh path to explore. And for anyone who’s ever wondered what happens when basketball legends put down their basketballs and pick up golf clubs, this is just the beginning.