Michael Phelps has been a regular golfer since the latter years of his swimming career and even ventured into pro-am events in the decade. Leveraging his height advantage, the 6’4″ Baltimore Bullet discovered a new love on the golf course. The man who won 28 gold in swimming competitions—an accomplishment credited to talent, determination, and genetics—veered smoothly into the golf field and displayed a powerful swing.
When talking about naturally gifted athletes, you can’t ignore names like Michael B. Jordan and the great American golfer Tiger Woods, and the very names were called out by Phelps recently when asked about a prospective match-up.
Michael Jordan to join Tiger Woods against Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps spoke with golf.com exclusively about his golfing endeavors and other topics. But when asked, “Dream foursome. Who ya got?” The Baltimore Bullet replied, “You gotta put Tiger in there. Tiger, Michael Jordan, me… I don’t know. The fourth? I don’t know. That would be a hard one. I’ve never played with Tiger. I have played with MJ. That would be fun, and the s**t talking that we would have would be incredible.”
When two legendary athletes meet, their presence means a great deal. And one time in Tiger Woods’ life following his second surgery, Phelps publicly complimented the golf legend, hinting at his ability to return to the grass. Phelps emphasized Woods’ rigorous training and unshakable dedication; He said, “Whеn you look at somеbody likе Tigеr, hе is so prеparеd in еvеry singlе way, in еvеry small littlе dеtail that you can possibly imaginе. Hе’s alrеady fivе stеps ahеad of you.”
Phelps currently trains with Tiger Woods’ former instructor Hank Haney, who coached Woods from 2004 to 10. Haney oversees the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy at Hilton Head Island from time to time and also helps several Division I college golfers and professional tour players improve. Meanwhile, Phelps’ potential to be Haney’s most recent big addition to the world of professional golf remains to be seen. In addition, when asked, Phelps shared some memories to back his favoritism of playing with Michael Jordan.
Not the first square off with the basketball legend
Phelps candidly shared one experience of playing golf with the basketball icon. He hearkens back to their previous match when Phelps took part in Jordan’s charity event at Aria. He sure remembers well defeating Jordan with hockey great Mario Lemieux the day after he saw Jordan’s outstanding practice session.
Phelps called Jordan’s playing “crazy good,” highlighting his fierce rivalry and sharing an incredible story from Shadow Creek’s 18th hole. Phelps shared, “I was like, “Dude, you sh***ing me?” I mean, he’s got great hands, and he obviously puts a ton of time in. I’m not talking any s**t to him.”
The Baltimore Bullet gives away credit where it’s due and looks like he even keeps them closer in case of a likely real match-up.
