When Gareth Bale officially retired from professional soccer in January 2023, the news reverberated through the world of football. One of the most electrifying wingers of his generation—known for his blistering pace, thunderous left foot, and Champions League heroics with Real Madrid—was stepping away from the game at just 33. But for Bale, retirement didn’t mean slowing down. It meant more time on the golf course.
Long before his final whistle, Bale’s affection for golf was well documented. He often joked about his priorities: “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order.” According to golf betting analysts at Bet442, Bale currently carries a handicap between 3 and 4, placing him among the top tier of amateur players. With football now in the rearview mirror, many are asking whether he could swap boots for spikes and make a serious run at professional golf.
A Scratch Golfer in the Making
For context, most weekend golfers in the U.S. carry handicaps between 15 and 20. A 3 or 4 handicap means Bale consistently shoots near par—an impressive feat even for seasoned amateurs.
The Welshman hasn’t been shy about showing off his game. He regularly posts from pristine fairways on social media, has teed it up in multiple celebrity and pro-am tournaments, and even hosted the Gareth Bale Invitational to benefit charitable causes. His swing is smooth, his course management sharp, and his competitive edge unmistakable.
So, Could He Actually Go Pro?
In theory, yes. But it’s a long road.
Turning professional in golf requires more than a low handicap. The world’s best play with handicaps at or below scratch (0.0), and many shoot well under par in high-stakes, high-pressure environments. It demands relentless training, mental toughness, and often years spent grinding through qualifying schools and developmental tours.
While Bale has the athleticism, discipline, and financial freedom to pursue such a path, he hasn’t signaled any interest in making golf a full-time job. At least not yet.
For now, it seems he’s more than happy enjoying the sport on his own terms—mixing rounds with friends, competing in charity events, and soaking in the camaraderie and tranquility that golf uniquely offers.
A Different Kind of Legacy
Even if he never turns pro, Bale’s relationship with golf is already influential. His public embrace of the game has drawn attention from new fans, particularly younger audiences who may not have connected with golf before. He brings star power to celebrity tournaments and uses his platform to support philanthropic efforts tied to the sport.
Don’t expect Bale to disappear from the public eye. Instead, he’s poised to become a familiar face in golf’s increasingly star-studded amateur circuit—a crossover athlete redefining how retirement from one sport can be the beginning of a new journey in another.
And if he ever decides to take a shot at the professional ranks, well, don’t bet against him.
