Rory McIlroy’s golf prediction for Gareth Bale comes true after teaming up with soccer legend

Gareth Bale, the soccer legend renowned for his passion for golf, has just made headlines in the golfing world by proving Rory McIlroy’s prediction correct. At this week’s BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am at Wentworth, Bale showcased a remarkable handicap, confirming McIlroy’s early faith in his golfing abilities.

Bale’s impressive performance at Wentworth last year first caught McIlroy’s attention, sparking a belief that Bale had the potential to become a scratch golfer—a level of excellence where a player has a handicap of zero. McIlroy had previously noted on the Stick to Football podcast, “Gareth Bale has the potential to get to scratch. The way he hits the ball, he could be a scratch player.”

Now, McIlroy’s prediction has come to fruition. Bale, who retired from professional soccer in September, has evidently channeled his energy into golf, achieving a zero handicap. His dedication to the sport is clear, as he joins top-tier professionals and impresses with his refined skills.

In a candid reflection, Bale acknowledged the gap between his game and that of professional golfers. He admitted to Uproxx last September, “There’s a big difference, don’t get me wrong. But they really just think their way around the course, they don’t make those silly mistakes. When they hit a bad shot, they hit it into the correct spot, and they just get up and down from everywhere.”

Bale’s insights into professional golfers’ intense focus reveal the dedication required to excel at the highest level. “The focus they have, you can see it in their eyes. They’re so focused with every shot. As an amateur, I can hit a couple of good shots and think I’m better than I am, only to come crashing back to reality,” he shared.

With more time to devote to golf, Bale is eager to further refine his game and reduce mistakes. His journey from soccer star to scratch golfer underscores his remarkable talent and dedication to the sport. As he continues to practice and improve, the golf world will be watching closely to see just how far this former soccer icon can go.