Ever watch a celebrity pro-am and wonder if those stars can actually play golf? The short answer is yes, some of them are incredibly skilled. This article will show you which celebrities are legitimate sticks, dive into their estimated handicaps, and analyze what parts of their game you can copy to improve your own.
There's a special group of celebrities who aren't just playing golf for fun, they're playing at an extremely high level. These are the single-digit and scratch-or-better players who could likely hold their own at any country club's championship. Their skill is often born from a combination of natural athleticism, intense dedication, and access to top-tier instruction.
Estimated Handicap: +0.3
It’s no surprise that a former professional athlete tops this list. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Tony Romo, has made a remarkable second career out of playing competitive golf. He has attempted to qualify for the U.S. Open several times and regularly competes in celebrity tournaments, often winning them. His handicap fluctuates, but it frequently hovers in the "plus" territory, meaning he's better than scratch.
Romo's game is built on pure athleticism and power. As a quarterback, he spent years training rotational power and developing incredible hand-eye coordination. This translates directly to the golf course. His swing is forceful but controlled, generating immense clubhead speed that leads to massive drives. He’s not just a bomber, though, you don't reach a plus handicap without a deft touch around the greens. His years of reading defenses on the football field have also given him a sharp strategic mind for course management.
Embrace your inner athlete. Golf is a physical sport, not just a quiet walk in the park. Like a quarterback planting their foot to throw, your power comes from the ground up. Focus on using your lower body to start the downswing, turning your hips to generate rotational force. Don’t just swing with your arms. By harnessing your body’s natural athletic ability, you can add surprising power and stability to your game, even if you don't have NFL-level talent.
Estimated Handicap: +0.1
Just like his impossibly smooth shooting stroke on the basketball court, Steph Curry’s golf swing is a thing of beauty. He has played in a handful of professional events on the Korn Ferry Tour, proving he can hang with the pros. His dedication to the game is obvious, and his skill is undeniable. He's another celebrity whose handicap is better than scratch, making him one of the absolute best amateur golfers in the public eye.
Tempo, tempo, tempo. Curry’s swing is the dictionary definition of rhythmic. There's no rush, no violent jerk, just a graceful and powerful motion from start to finish. This flawless tempo allows him to consistently deliver the clubface squarely to the ball. On top of that, his incredible hand-eye coordination, honed over a lifetime of basketball, gives him a fantastic feel for distance control with his wedges and putter.
Find your rhythm. So many amateur golfers lose strokes simply by trying to swing too hard. They get quick at the top of their backswing and lose all sense of timing. Instead, try humming a song to yourself or counting "one-two" during your swing. The backswing (one) should be smooth and controlled, and the downswing (two) should be an acceleration through the ball, not a lunge at it. A smooth tempo, like Curry’s, will solve a multitude of swing flaws and lead to much more consistent contact.
Estimated Handicap: +1.5
Hall of Fame Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz might be the most accomplished golfer on this list when it comes to official tournament play. He successfully qualified for the U.S. Senior Open in 2018, a monumental achievement for any amateur. He spends a significant amount of his time working on his game and competes at a very high level in various amateur and celebrity circuits.
Smoltz possesses an elite understanding of biomechanics and kinesthetics. A pitcher needs a repeatable, powerful motion, and he’s translated that physical awareness to his golf swing. He knows how to generate speed at the right moment. Furthermore, his mental game is bulletproof. Standing on the mound in a World Series game requires nerves of steel, and he brings that same focused, unemotional approach to high-pressure putts and tee shots.
Develop a repeatable pre-shot routine. A pitcher doesn't just step onto the rubber and throw, they have a routine to get locked in. You should, too. Whether it’s two practice swings, picking a spot in front of the ball, and taking a deep breath, find a sequence that works for you. This routine is your mental trigger. It tells your body it’s time to perform and helps keep your self-doubt and nerves from taking over under pressure.
You don’t have to be a near-scratch golfer to be considered a great player. This next group of celebrities boasts impressive games and low single-digit handicaps. They take the game seriously and have swings that many of us would envy.
Estimated Handicap: 2-4
Justin Timberlake is well-known for his love of golf. He has been a fixture at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and even hosted his own PGA Tour event for a time. His swing is frequently praised by analysts for being technically sound and beautifully rhythmic - much like his performances on stage.
It's clear that JT has had excellent coaching and has put in the work to build a fundamentally sound golf swing. It’s balanced, his lines are clean, and his transition from backswing to downswing is smooth. It's a swing built for consistency, not for wild power. He doesn't try to do too much, which is a sign of a smart, mature golfer.
Don't skip the fundamentals. A fancy-looking swing doesn't mean much if your grip, posture, and alignment aren't right. Timberlake’s great swing is built on a solid foundation. Spend time working on how you hold the club and how you set up to the ball. A good grip and a balanced, athletic posture are the building blocks of a consistent swing. Nailing these pre-swing basics can fix a number of problems before you even start your takeaway.
Estimated Handicap: 7-9
Famous for his intense discipline in all areas of his life, Mark Wahlberg applies that same dedication to golf. He is a member of some of the most exclusive country clubs and is known for playing extremely fast rounds, often at dawn before his day begins. His impressive backyard golf complex is a testament to his passion for practice.
Volume and commitment. Wahlberg plays a lot of golf and has ingrained his swing through sheer repetition. While his golf swing might look a little unconventional and fast to some, it's his own and he's committed to it. He proves that you don’t need a picture-perfect swing to score well, you just need a repeatable motion that you trust.
Make your practice count. You might not have a private Augusta-replica green in your yard, but you can still practice with purpose. Don’t just mindlessly beat balls at the range. Pick a target for every shot. Practice different types of shots - low stingers, high fades, little chips. Even 30 minutes of focused practice is more valuable than two hours of sloppy swings. The dedication to a repeatable motion is what builds trust on the course.
It's clear that great celebrity golfers aren’t just weekend hackers, they often combine raw athletic talent with a serious dedication to practice and a competitive mindset. They demonstrate that no matter where you start, improving at golf comes down to understanding your own game, building sound fundamentals, and thinking strategically on the course.
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