Budding golfer Gareth Bale: From bicycle kicks to first-ever hole-in-one
The Welsh football star announced his retirement in January 2023 and has since spent a lot of time on golf courses and at golf competitions, both as a spectator and as a player.
Golf
Few things compare to executing a perfect bicycle kick to score the winning goal in a Champion’s League final. Just ask Gareth Bale who managed that in the famous 2018 final against Liverpool. The Welsh football legend had a different emotional rush when he hit his first-ever hole-in-one.
An Instagram video posted on May 18 shows Bale playing at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California. As the ball falls in, Bale raises his arms in celebration and races across the tee.
“Oh my God, he got it! This is a video for the ages!” video cameraman Ollie Schindler shouts. “Gareth Bale, he doesn’t just do bicycle kicks.”
Bale: From football star to amateur golfer
Since announcing his retirement from professional football in January 2023, Bale has been spending more and more time on golf courses.
He attended the 88th Masters Tournament as a spectator, but not content to simply watch competitions, the Welshman has also stepped forward to challenge the other golfers.
Just over two weeks after announcing his retirement, Bale entered in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am tournament where he was paired with professional USA golfer Joseph Bramlett. The pair finished the tournament a joint 16th overall.
Besides Bramlett, Bale has also played with other USA golfers, including Dustin Johnson, Gary Woodland and Rickie Fowler.
Grassy greens: A long-lasting passion
Bale’s passion for golf was well-known throughout his time in professional football, even earning him the nickname “The Golfer” during his nine years at Real Madrid.
His handicap in 2020 was between three and four, according to news outlet Metro. By the end of 2022, that improved to a handicap of two.
Travelling to the best golf courses around the world, Bale was inspired to build his own three-hole course at his Welsh estate where each hole serves as a tribute to his favourite golf locations.