Football isn’t the only passion for Cardiff Express. It runs deeper than the pitch, and golf is a clear second love that has followed Gareth Bale since his Real Madrid days. During late evenings on the Bernabéu stages, his obsession with golf drew both amusement and scrutiny from fans who questioned the balance between his football and the new hobby.
In a candid moment on the EAL podcast, Bale addressed the critics. He explained that doctors had cleared him to play golf and that many fans misunderstood his choices. His message echoed the broader reality: sport professionals can pursue multiple interests without sacrificing performance on the field.
Gareth Bale’s retirement marks the end of a storied football career, a moment many watched with a mix of nostalgia and curiosity. The Welsh star also became a figure of humor in the media for his golf devotion, sometimes juxtaposed with the demands of world-class football. Wales fans and global football followers alike remember the banner moment when Bale joked about Wales, Golf, Madrid, placing golf in a playful, personal top spot. He accepted the nickname with a smile, noting his affection for the game and the light it shed on his life beyond football.
As Bale put it, golf is a hobby, but it is more than that: it is a relaxing outlet that helps him decompress from the pressures of professional sport. He highlighted that football remains his primary occupation, with golf serving as a healthy, enjoyable counterbalance that contributes to overall well-being. With retirement, Bale can dedicate even more time to refining his swing and exploring the sport he loves.
Another public moment illustrated Bale’s commitment to golf. He joined a campaign to promote the health benefits of the sport, encouraging people to give golf a try and highlighting its positive impact on fitness and well-being. The messages were clear: golf offers a wholesome pastime that fits into a busy athlete’s life, pairing enjoyment with physical activity.
What about Bale’s golf prowess? The handicap measures an amateur player’s skill, and Bale’s journey reflects steady improvement. By the end of 2022, Bale reportedly carried a handicap around two, signaling an above-average amateur level and a strong base from which to continue advancing. Earlier conversations he had with fellow golfers surfaced even lower numbers, suggesting ongoing practice and improvement across years in Madrid and in other golfing locales. A handicap near two shows he’s close to the elite amateur tier, yet still a step from professional grades.
Historical reports on Bale’s golfing, including notes from 2015, pointed to a respectable six handicap, a sign of rapid improvement through Madrid’s training grounds and trips to places such as California. Regardless of the exact figure, the underlying truth remained: Bale plays frequently enough to stay sharp, while consistently describing golf as a relaxing hobby that complements his life in football.
In his own words, the sport provides balance. He reminded audiences that football remains his primary career, with golf offering calm, focus, and a constructive break from day-to-day pressures. This perspective has only grown since retiring from football, as Bale has more time to devote to perfecting his swing and enjoying the game with friends and fans alike.
Video clips and social posts over the years highlighted Bale’s enthusiasm, including messages about golf’s health benefits and his pride in the sport. The sentiment was simple and heartfelt—golf is more than a pastime, it’s part of who he is and a meaningful part of his life narrative.
Does Bale have a home golf course? Yes, he reportedly built a small three-hole course on his property in Wales in 2018. The holes were inspired by famous venues, with par-3 designs that evoke the spirit of Sawgrass, Royal Troon, and Augusta. The real-world version uses scaled-down greens and pins, designed to deliver a challenging experience in a compact space. Bale described the setup as a personal homage to the courses he admires, a private space where practice can blend with family life and relaxation.
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Gareth Bale’s golfing journey offers a rare glimpse into how elite athletes manage their passions. The story isn’t merely about a football great who loves golf; it’s about a well-rounded approach to life. The retired icon continues to draw attention for his sportsmanship, his playful humor, and his commitment to enjoying sport as a lasting source of health and happiness.