“Naturally Had Better Success”: Michael Phelps Who Holds a 159-Foot Putt Record in Golf, Opens Up on His Journey in the Sport

Michael Phelps is one of the most legendary athletes in Olympics history. He is the only athlete to win 23 Olympic gold medals ever. The swimming GOAT also holds the record for most Olympic gold medals and most Olympic medals in individual events. No swimmer has ever reached the heights Phelps has achieved, and it is a near to impossible task for one to do so.

In 2016, Phelps retired from swimming, and as a part-time sport, has diverted his attention towards golf. The legendary swimmer is extremely good at this sport, too. How can he be so good at two sports? Phelps had recently talked about how his focus on swimming and golf differs.

Does Michael Phelps enjoy playing golf more?

Phelps has always been a golf lover and does not just play the sport for fun. He is serious about his games and has customized golf equipment. In fact, in 2021, the swimmer had once nailed a 159-ft putt, which was the longest televised putt in history.

Phelps has often been featured in various golf interviews, chat shows, and podcasts. During one of his latest chats with the Golf’s SubPar, the legendary swimmer shared how focusing on swimming and playing golf is different for him. In one of the discussion clips, Phelps said, “The more I just do, the more I’m able to learn. And that’s how I was in the swimming pool. So, naturally had better success on the golf course. Because I don’t think I just do, right?”

While comparing swimming and golf, Phelps pointed out that in swimming, most of the time the atmosphere is the same, but the pressure is different. To explain his point, Phelps said, “On the golf course, one thing different for me is to win, and that’s one thing for me that’s hard to adjust to downwind. I feel like I’ve figured that part out, but into the wind, it’s difficult.”

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If anyone thought that Phelps might be taking it easy after retirement and relaxing, they might be wrong. As the iconic athlete is busy competing and breaking records on the golf course.

The 159 putt record by Phelps

In 2012, Phelps had a decent run at the London Olympics. Although it wasn’t the swimming legend’s best performance at the mega-event, he didn’t fail to add medals to his record tally.

However, amidst all the post-Olympics talks, Phelps surprised everyone with an incredible record, which was not achieved in the pool. On the short par-4 sixth, at the Dunhill Links, “The Flying Fish” faced a 159-ft eagle putt. It was an almost impossible task, but Phelps knew better than to perform under pressure.

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As Phelps hit the ball, it rolled on for “what felt like hours”. But it was a perfect shot, and Phelps had then recorded the longest putt ever televised. Some also believe that “The Baltimore Express” will make his Olympics come back with golf and set to break many more records in the sport.