The name Michael Jordan will ring through every court as long as the sport exists because of how he has revolutionized the game of basketball. Having played for 15 seasons, the 14X NBA All-Star won six Championships with the Bulls. However, his stint with sports doesn’t end there. In fact, he has proved himself as a golf maestro over the years.
Jordan’s final retirement in 2003 meant he could invest more time in the one sport he loved apart from basketball. Although he did not go pro, he started playing the sport more often and with professionals. For Jordan, it was not a newfound love, instead, golf was a sport that he always loved. He even has his own golf course called The Groove XXIII in Florida. Over the years, he has rubbed shoulders and developed close friendships with pro golfers. Let us take a look at five such relationships.
Michael Jordan and controversial Tiger Woods
Even for those who are not well-versed in golf, we can always recognize Tiger Woods as a top name in the sport. Well, it is no secret that Woods and MJ have forged a close bond with each other over the love of golf. They often spent time together playing golf and challenging each other for years, even hanging out outside the golf course. Although their friendship became rocky after Woods became embroiled in controversies, their relationship appeared to have improved with time.
Rickie Fowler considers himself lucky to be Jordan’s friend
Jordan is also known for his close association with Rickie Fowler. In fact, Fowler has long been a part of MJ’s elite Grove XXIII club. They have played golf together every chance they get over the years, and Fowler admits that MJ is an excellent player and that playing with MJ is beneficial for him because his competitive spirit pushes him to do better. Fowler has said in the past that he considers himself lucky to be MJ’s friend.
Pat Perez’s bond with MJ and his insane shoe collection
3X PGA Tour winner Pat Perez met Jordan through a mutual friend, and some years later in 2017 when he won the CIMB Classic in Malaysia, MJ reached out to convey his congratulations. And the rest is history; the two developed a close friendship and are known to hang out often. Perez even has an insane collection of over 1000 pairs of Jordan shoes.
MJ has a knack for betting money on his golf games with Luke Donald
Luke Donald is another pro golfer who is a good friend of Jordan. In fact, the two are neighbors in Florida and often meet for a friendly game or two. Well, not always friendly, because they are known for wagering money on their games, but over the years, they have become great friends and neighbors.
The Falcon and His Airness
‘The Falcon‘ Keegan Bradley and MJ also share a deep relationship that goes back to Chicago in the 2012 Ryder Cup, where they first met. Keegan also admittedly said that there is not one dull moment with MJ, as he makes everything fun. He also shared that Jordan is always up for a game of golf; playing with him shows just how competitive MJ is, and he is in fact a great player. Keegan remains one of the few Jordan brand ambassadors in golf today.
It is clear that throughout the years, Michael Jordan’s interest, investment and involvement with golf grew, nurturing beautiful friendships in the process; he is known for attending almost all U.S. team golf competitions in addition to charity events and even money games. The basketball legend may have hung up his playing shoes, but to great enthusiasm and satisfaction, he has picked up his golf clubs.