Once a football star, always a sports enthusiast – this was evident when Gareth Bale, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid striker, showed off his golf skills at the PGA Tour's Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Though his exquisite golfing abilities were no secret, many were surprised by his captivating performance on the fairways during his debut. Playing alongside professional partner Joseph Bramlett, Bale shot a 7-under 65, placing him just behind the leading professionals in the amateur category.
Legendary figures like Tom Dundon – the owner of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes – and US professional golfer Will Gordon were top amateurs with a 5-under 67 lead. However, being five-time Champions League winner and one of the most decorated footballers of his generation, Bale was no stranger to the spotlight.
Despite his high expectations and playing in front of thousands, Bale admitted to feeling nervous at first.
"Every amateur will tell you that this is a completely different sport, even though we are used to playing in front of 80,000 or more people," Bale told Sky Sports. "It's being outside of our comfort zone and doing something different, it's a cool experience."
However, Bale's first swing showed confidence, as his brilliant shot landed on the green and then rolled back to the hole, leading to a par.
The unforgettable highlight of the round came on the next hole, where Bale took a risky shot. Falling short of the green on the Fairway, he aimed for a precarious obstacle, hit a bold shot that careered off the ledge, and miraculously landed four feet away from the hole. Relieved yet proud, Bale ended the round with a smile.
"My main concern was actually how I got there, but I think many amateurs find themselves in the wrong position," said Bale. "It was a great shot. Like many amateurs, I just tried to hold on and hope for the best. It was amazing to see how it straightened up like that."
Gareth Bale, currently ranked first by the World Golf Rankings, was unsurprised by his performance. Earlier this year, he played with John Rahm, who praised Bale's golf abilities, remarking that it's unfair to excel at both football and golf.
"I told Gareth, 'You can't be good at both professional football and golf, it's not fair.' But he has this incredible golf talent," said Rahm. "It's not fair that he can't concentrate on just one sport just because he's so good at the other."
Joining Bale in this celebrated event were Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, acting stars Jason Bateman and Bill Murray, and rapper Macklemore, all showcasing their golfing prowess alongside professional partners.
Among the pack, Hank Lebioda was the standout performer with a score of 63, 8-under. Kurt Kitayama and Chad Ramsey followed, while Harry Hall, an Englishman, topped the career-rankings with a single-shot lead.
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With his endearing performance, Gareth Bale reaffirmed his passion for golf and indicated that he had been preparing extensively to transition into professional golf. Despite his sense of nervousness and facing the challenge of doing something new, Bale embraced the opportunity with the enthusiasm of an excelling amateur.
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