Unique on and off the Course Hobbies of Professional Golfers

Athletes from basketball, football, and baseball have flocked to golf in recent years as their off-the-field/court hobby, while professional golfers find their refuge from their sport in other ways.

“We are almost there!” said Jimmy Beck, Neal Shipley’s caddy and assistant coach at Ohio State. “I am referring to the puzzle at the Airbnb, not the tournament.”

Neal Shipley made his way onto golf fans’ TV screens in April as the low amateur at The Masters, paired with Tiger Woods. His laid-back body language and flowing hair made him an instant fan favorite. Later that year, Shipley was back on screen as the low amateur at the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

Shipley’s likability extends beyond his hair. In a post-round interview at the CRMC Championship at Cragun’s in Brainerd, MN, Shipley and Beck discussed their off-the-course hobby: 1000-piece minimum puzzles.

In addition to puzzles, Shipley likes to take his mind off his upcoming shots on the course by solving math equations. He has an undergraduate degree from James Madison University in quantitative finance and a master’s from Ohio State in data analytics.

Other professional golfers have their own unique hobbies and passions outside of golf.

Tiger Woods famously had a stint training with the Navy SEALs. After his time with them was attributed to his injuries later that year, he retired to virtual SEAL training via Call of Duty.

Adam Scott is no exception to the typical Australian; he enjoys surfing. The 2013 Masters champion loves to suit up and catch some waves when he has the chance.

Former World Number One Luke Donald was an art major in college and continues to paint to this day. In addition, he entered into a wine consulting/partnership role to create bespoke wines in 2007.