Golf Digest recently released their 2018 Top Athlete Golfer Rankings, where they rank and give the handicaps of famous athletes from other sports. It’s crazy to think of how much time and energy some of these athletes put in to their respective sports to become the best of the best, and still have time to polish a golf game in the short offseason. Here’s my breakdown of the “duh, they should be on here,” biggest surprises, and biggest letdowns.
Not Shocked
Justin Verlander – 4.1 Handicap – Is there anything Verlander can’t do? The 7-time All-Star and Cy Young winner is an absolute beast on the mound chasing his second consecutive World Series Title, is married to Kate Upton, and will surely make the Hall. No surprise he’s also a stud on the golf course.
Steph Curry – 0.0 Handicap – We all know Steph is a stud on the basketball court and the golf course. The 2x MVP and 3x NBA Finals champ is widely regarded as one of the best players in the league. He also was a golfer in high school, and even got a sponsor’s exemption into a Web.com event in the Bay Area two years in a row. While he didn’t make the cut, he shot a respectable 74-74 in the first two rounds of the 2017 event. Again, no surprise he’s a stud on the court and the course.
Michael Jordan – 1.9 Handicap – Jordan is the GOAT. Don’t argue with me on that. Since leaving the hardwood, he’s become more and more noticeable at golf events, especially the Ryder Cup every two years. While he’s listed at a 1.9 in the GHIN system, his number also hasn’t changed since 2013. If you’re shocked he’s a stick on the course as well, you’re in the minority.
Peyton Manning – 3.5 Handicap – He might be one of the best to ever throw a football, but more importantly, he was always known as being one of the most dedicated athletes to his trade. No surprise that he probably puts the same effort into golf in retirement, and carries such a low handicap.
Biggest Surprises
Pete Sampras – 0.5 Handicap – One of the greatest to ever step on the tennis court is also a stud in another country club sport? I knew he’d be good, but a 0.5 handicap is impressive.
Bode Miller – 2.8 Handicap – The legendary US Skier is known for tearing up the slopes (and the bars), but I didn’t think that’d translate to the golf course. I guess he needs something to do in the Summer when he can’t ski?
Eric Koston – 9 Handicap – The pro skater was once as low as a 5?! That’s impressive. You don’t typically think of a legendary skater bro as a golfer, but it looks like Koston is good at both! He even had a signature golf shoe from Nike. Don’t worry, Bill has a pair. Maybe he’ll review them.
Anthony Mantha – +3.2 Handicap – The best player on this entire list is a 6’4” stud winger for the Detroit Redwings. Looks like that nasty wrister correlates into accuracy on the course too. A +3.2 is extremely impressive by any stretch of the imagination, let alone for someone who has to devote more than half of the year to professional hockey in the NHL.
Biggest Letdowns
Wayne Gretzky – 7.2 Handicap – Now i’m not trying to say 7.2 is a bad handicap by any means, but for how much time I hear 99 spends on the course and around the game, I’d expect him to be a lot better. Ridicule me if you want for this, but that’s just my opinion. But hey, maybe he’s a sandbagger?
Andre Iguodala – 15.6 Handicap – For how much this guy plays with Steph, I’d hope he’d step his game up! In all honesty though, 15.6 isn’t anything to scoff at for playing for about 3 years. I’m sure that number will drop quickly though. He’s admittedly become obsessed with the game.
Sidney Crosby – 12 Handicap – This is just a letdown for me because I’m an avid Crosby lover. I just wish the GOAT* on the ice would be a little better than a 12. I guess he’s too busy winning Stanley Cups and Conn Smythe Trophies.
Diana Turasi – 30 Handicap – She might be the greatest WNBA/female basketball player of all time. I’m sure once she retires, her athletic ability is going to drop that handicap rather quickly (if she decides to devote the time to it). She’s new to the game, but hey, we’re glad to have one of the court’s greatest on the golf course!
Well, there you have it folks: my breakdown of the Top Athlete Golfers according to Golf Digest. Take it for what it’s worth, but these are the people who stood out to me and why. Either way, Golf Digest’s article is a great read.
*EDITOR’S NOTE: I couldn’t let such an egregious claim pass. Especially with The Great One on the list. Until Crosby has the same trophy case, respect the legend.
