When Did Michael Jordan Start Playing Golf and Who Introduced Him to the Sport?

Published 12/05/2021, 4:30 PM EST

Michael Jordan remains one of the most popular athletes the world has seen, influencing and inspiring even after his retirement. Now, while Jordan’s fame is a result of his illustrious basketball career, golf has always been highlighted as an interest the Chicago Bulls legend has. Let’s take a look at Jordan’s extensive interest in golf, which has only grown.

While Jordan’s played basketball since he was a kid, he was also introduced to golf when he was at the University of North Carolina. Jordan’s friend – Buzz Peterson – had invited his friend Davis Love III over, the latter wanting to go play golf at the Finley Golf Club in Chapel Hill. The NBA icon had played his last college game and ended up tagging along.

How did Michael Jordan start playing golf?

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That being said, Jordan’s love for golf began in 1984 – the same year he was drafted by the Chicago Bulls.

“He started off just tagging along and driving the cart or walking around with us, just because there were so many guys playing,” Love said in an interview. “He tried to come out and hack it around and hang out”. Jordan eventually started hitting a putt or a drive every now then, Love eventually putting together a bag of old clubs and balls for him.

Jordan ended up learning the game eventually, admitting that he has been “hooked” ever since his first round of play with Al Wood.

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Now, while Love put together a bag for Jordan, it was Duke University’s director of golf Ed Ibarguen who helped Jordan learn. “Michael really got bit by the bug, though, a little more than the rest,” Ibarguen revealed, speaking about other athletes also showing some kind of interest in golf.

Ibarguen asked Jordan if wanted to learn, and Jordan said yes.

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The six-time NBA Champion has also been seen with Tiger Woods – both legends forging a friendship over golf. While their relationship did sour when Woods was caught in a controversy, their friendship seems to have gotten better over the years.

Today, a 58-year-old Jordan also has his own golf course – The Grove XXIII. It is a super-exclusive affair, with drones delivering beverages to the golfers. The golf carts will be able to speed 35 miles per hour, while caddies will have scooters.

Jordan’s love for golf has remained consistent over the years, currently even turned into an investment of his own.

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Written by:

Devika Pawar is a Golf and NBA writer at Essentially Sports. A psychology graduate from KJ Somaiya, Devika has an experience with sportswriting at Republic World for around two years now. She loves NBA a little too much, and is a dedicated Golden State Warriors fan.

When Did Michael Jordan Start Playing Golf and Who Introduced Him to the Sport?

How did Michael Jordan start playing golf?

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