41-year-old shares glimpses of his game but feels he has 'a long way to go' in the sport
LeBron James
LeBron James
AP
Dubai: LeBron James recently gave fans a glimpse into a new hobby: golf. The 40-year-old NBA superstar posted several videos on social media, showing himself on the course for just the second time in his life.
Dressed in a striped polo, James looked focused, though his swing still showed signs of inexperience. In his caption, James admitted he has “a long way to go” but shared his appreciation for the mental challenge the sport offers. With his 41st birthday approaching in December, it seems he’s already eyeing golf as a post-retirement passion.
His videos quickly went viral, sparking a wave of reactions from fellow athletes and celebrities. Among them was three-time major champion Jordan Spieth, who offered thoughtful feedback on James’ swing during an appearance on Up and Adams. “It’s pretty solid,” Spieth said. “A lot of times, other athletes start swinging super long and lose control, but his is compact. There’s definitely potential to generate more power.”
Spieth suggested that LeBron could unlock more distance by engaging his wrists and completing a fuller backswing. “If he adds a little more turn and lets the club float, he could gain 30 yards in 30 minutes,” he added. “Whoever gets to coach him will be excited.”
Even Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry shared his own golf moment. Posting a smooth swing video to Instagram, Curry wrote, “Love spending time on the links. Golf summer coming my way!” Dressed in full golf attire and looking relaxed, Curry reminded fans of his deep love for the game.
While Curry is best known as the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history—with over 4,000 career threes, four championships, two MVPs, and a 2024 Olympic gold medal—he’s also an avid golfer. He began playing at age 10 and has competed in numerous celebrity tournaments. In 2023, he made headlines by winning the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe, sinking an eagle on the final hole and recording one of the rarest shots in tournament history.
As LeBron prepares for what may be his final NBA season—after opting into a $52.6 million deal with the Lakers—he’s set to become the first player in league history to play a 23rd season. Whether or not it’s his last year, he’s already planning life after basketball.
Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer's discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging. Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.
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