Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 2018 inductee Ray Allen spoke about his golf skills during Tuesday’s episode of the “Dan Patrick Show.”
The 49-year-old said he’s golfed at numerous putting greens, including Michael Jordan’s famous “The Grove” course in Hobe Sound, Florida, which wasn’t too much of a challenge for him but also wasn’t his favorite.
“The Grove is not difficult because you can pretty much hit it anywhere on the tee and greens really fast, but you really have to know how to chip around there,” he said. “To get around the green, and for the first couple rounds, I didn’t even want to play the place, and I couldn’t get up and down.”
Allen continued, “I noticed my wedge was too high for that course, so you need to have a low bounce because the grass is really tight.”
During his game, he played alongside Jordan, who many regarded as a golf enthusiast. Allen claimed the former Chicago Bulls guard plays the course “fairly well” because “the distance” isn’t much of a “factor” on his course.
Raymond Felton Charlotte Hornets Michael Jordan ownership NBA criticism defense
Chicago Bulls all-time great Michael Jordan during the NBA 75th Anniversary Team ceremony
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
The former player noted that Jordan doesn’t hit the ball very far because his far-off shots aren’t amazing. However, Allen said Jordan is an excellent putter, which means he’s good at hitting the ball from a close distance.
“The way he plays, he doesn’t hit the ball from far, but he gets up and down everywhere,” he added. “If he gets the ball in front of the green, he’s going to get it from up and down.”
Tony Parker
San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) drives to the basket against Miami Heat guard Ray Allen (34) and center Chris Bosh (1)
© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Jordan has always been regarded as a very competitive golfer. He even took up the sport during his college years with the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1981-84.
“He’s probably the best putter that I’ve seen,” Allen concluded. “So you lose a lot of rally greens, and he’s really good there.”