When it comes to athletics, switching from one sport to another may be controversial, more so if it includes a figure as well-known as 23-time Olympic gold winner Michael Phelps. Known for his unmatched swimming prowess, Phelps unexpectedly switched to golf upon his retirement in 2016. The surprise mentor Phelps found in Hank Haney, Tiger Woods coach, while he was trying to master the greens, provides a twist to the story.

One can’t help but ask as we explore the intriguing relationship between these two giants and their common path with Haney: How could a coach well-known for mentoring a golf titan like Tiger Woods assist in shaping Phelps into a formidable golfer?

Tiger Woods’ previous mentor shapes the Baltimore Bullet’s play

Even before he retired, Phelps was an avid golfer who sought expert advice to improve his game. Tiger Woods’ driving force, Hank Haney, was a catalyst in Phelps’ chrysalis from an amateur to a competent player. Phelps talked openly about the value of Haney’s instruction during “The Haney Project” on Golf Channel in an interview with Golf.com. Phelps said, “He really thought me the game.” We broke 90 for the first time. I was not very good. Hit it a mile, never know which way it went.”

Haney coached Tiger Woods to six major championships between 2004 and 2010. “There’s just no possible way, and honestly he wasn’t nearly as good on the course. Nobody is. But I told this to a few people — I’ve taught over 200 touring pros, and the worst player at taking it from the driving range to the golf course that I ever coached was Tiger Woods,” Haney told golf.com in an earlier feature.

Phelps went on to discuss his golfing history, showing how his handicap changed over time. Phelps said, “In 2012, when I first retired, I played for about two years. And then I retired from the game again, and then probably stayed at a 14 for a while.” Phelps played about 80 rounds a year, stressing the value of rhythm, which is intertwined with his swimming philosophy. This is a nod to great cross-sporting culture imbued as well.

The shared camaraderie between cross-sports legends

Following the ‘Flying Fish’s’ retirement from the Rio Olympics in 2016, he played at several golf courses. He was spotted among the throng behind Tiger Woods at the 2019 Masters competition. He has even referred to his passion for the game of golf a few times. Phelps’ golf journey goes beyond self-improvement; he participates in tournaments such as the ICON series with notable players like Fred Couples and JR Smith.

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Although The Baltimore Bullet hasn’t turned pro, he has gained a thorough understanding of the game, leaving the burning question: Will Phelps pursue his love of golf to the next level and break uncharted territories akin to Woods?

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