Early April marks the time in the sports world when two major sports will be involved in key parts of the campaign. The NHL hosts important playoff games, as well as one of professional golf's most iconic tournaments, the Masters. As those of us who love watching and playing both sports, we began to wonder if any professional golfer could be a great hockey player.
There are also several professional golfers with hockey experience. Canadian Mike Weir, who won the Masters in 2003, played hockey into his teens before realizing he didn't have the physique to play at a high level. Jerry Kelly, who currently plays on the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions, attended the University of Hartford on a hockey scholarship while also playing on the PGA Tour, Nike Tour, and Champions. Allen Doyle went on tour to the University of Vermont and played hockey.
Dan Quinn, on the other hand, started his golf career after playing 14 seasons in the NHL. After hanging up his skates, Quinn became a celebrity as he was one of the top players on the tour and competed in his four events on the Web.com Tour. He also caddied for John Daly in the U.S. Open 100 and was part-time caddy for Ernie Els.
It is well known that many hockey players love and are good at golf. Known as a great golfer, his NHL Hall of Fame members include Bobby Orr, Joe Sakic, Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull, and Grant Fuhr. His current NHL players who are good at golf include Auston Matthews, who carries four handicaps and is aiming for 70 goals a season.
Other current or recent NHL players who are good at golf include Anthony Manta, TJ Oshie, Joe Pavelski, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The skills required to excel in both sports are similar, so it's not impossible that some golfers are also good at hockey.
Here are three golfers who were considered to be in the 2024 Masters and have the skills to fit in well on the ice.
tiger woods
Being one of the best golfers to pick up a set of clubs doesn't necessarily mean you're good at hockey. Jack Nicklaus excelled in many sports before becoming one of golf's all-time greats, but he never struck me as someone who was good at hockey. But in Woods' case, many things about him would have made him great on the ice.
Related: NHL players and their love of golf
Much of Tiger's recent history has focused on his ongoing health issues, so it was great to see him compete in the 2024 Masters. He always strived to improve his game, and his dedication to continually seeking to keep his body in peak physical condition would also have led to his success as a hockey player.
A fierce competitor, Woods could easily become the focal point of the top line and lead his team to success, as Lemieux and others have done. His excellent hand-eye coordination is necessary for hitting accurate golf shots, and also helps him pass and shoot the puck.
bryson dechambeau
The 30-year-old has developed a physique that could easily translate to being a blueline member of a hockey team. Like Woods, DeChambeau also “bulked down” a bit after being hampered by injuries the past few seasons, but still joined the training squad that led to him being at the top of his game in establishing a bulked-up image in the sport. ing. He is one of the longest hitters of the golf ball, and his incredible distance is due not only to his physical strength but also to his mental strength. This is also seen in hockey players.
DeChambeau, who has earned the nickname “The Scientist,” is constantly improving his game by tinkering with his equipment (“Bryson leads the Masters using 3D printed irons approved only by the USGA on Monday”). (from “DeChambeau”) USA Today, April 11, 24). In preparation for this year's Masters, he started using a custom set of single-length irons made by little-known club manufacturer Avoda. These irons are 3D printed and were not approved by the USGA until Monday, before the first round began.
Anyone who is willing to put in the effort to excel at their craft can earn a spot on a hockey roster.
dustin johnson
Johnson was almost left off the list due to the fact that it was such an obvious choice, as he married the daughter of The Great One. But if you look at him and his game, he has raw power and a muscular 6-foot-4 frame that works on the ice. His seemingly effortless power off the tee also translates into quality hockey shots.
Like Woods and DeChambeau, the 39-year-old has been widely known as one of the fittest players on tour throughout his career.
Johnson has developed an intensive training program with trainer Joey Diovisalvi that includes strength training, Olympic-style lifts, single-leg movements, rotational movements, and stability training, training up to six days a week. Masu. Johnson doesn't like taking days off, and that mindset has been the driving force behind his rise to the top of the PGA Tour.
There is a strong relationship between golf and hockey. Golf is a sport that has captured the imagination of hockey players for generations, and there has been some interesting debate among hockey enthusiasts about which golfers succeed on the ice as well. If you think there are any other golfers that could be added to this list, please comment below.
