“Like Every Other Canadian Kid” : Despite Excelling in Hockey, Wayne Gretzky’s Father Once Pushed His Son to Learn Golf

Walter Gretzky’s influence on Wayne Gretzky’s life, cannot be downplayed. From encouraging him to play ice hockey and skate, Walter also made his son play golf. But what was the reason for choosing the latter? In a 2016 interview with GOLF.com, ‘The Great One’ finally disclosed why his father pushed him toward the sport.

Talking about his initial experiences playing golf, Gretzky talked about a common misconception that he had. Further, he shared valuable advice his father gave him about playing golf. With this, the ice hockey player also related his unique approach and mindset.

Wayne Gretzky recounts his father’s role in making him play golf and holds nothing back about his golf experiences 

‘The Great One’ narrated to Golf.com that his first experience playing golf was in his hometown of Brantford in Ontario, Canada. At that time, Gretzky was 14 and played golf with his friends. Continuing, he remarked, “It was more my dad telling me that I should learn to play golf because all hockey players play golf.”  Later, he recounted his dad’s advice, “If you want to be a good golfer, you have to play right-handed though.”

Along with this, Gretzky also shared a false perception he had while playing the sport.“Like every other Canadian kid, I thought the clubs were on the wrong side.” However, with time, Gretzky’s false notions gradually disappeared.

Afterwards, the ice-hockey icon, disclosed how playing golf didn’t come naturally to him. Disagreeing with the belief, that hockey players are necessarily good golfers, Gretzky made an honest admission. “I never learned the fundamentals of the game. I basically just got out there and played with two or three buddies every day and tried to get a better score than the day before.” Further, Gretzky related how he considered golf a family sport and never wished to take lessons to improve. Once, Wayne Gretzky related one of his best memories while playing golf. 

Read More: “I’m Probably More Competitive!”: Wayne Gretzky Once Tried to Downplay His Golfing Skills in Front of His Wife

‘The Great One’ narrates an interesting anecdote while playing golf at the Augusta National Golf Club 

‘The Great One’ recalled making a birdie on the first hole in a club in Georgia, USA. Indicating how Augusta was one of his favorite golf courses, Gretzky spoke about how he enjoyed playing golf with his family at the club. 

Later, ‘The Great One’ talked about teasing his son about accomplishing a birdie putt before his son. It appears that Gretzky is talking about his son, Tristan Gretzky, who is known for his golfing prowess. 

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Gretzky’s statements hint at how golf has become an important part of his life along with ice hockey. What are your opinions about Gretzky’s golf skills? Share your thoughts in the comments section.