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Football star Gareth Bale becomes golf ambassador for R&A

Gareth Bale is the new ambassador for the Golf Association R&A. (Photo: Getty)
Gareth Bale is the new ambassador for the Golf Association R&A. (Photo: Getty)

Gareth Bale is considered a superstar in professional football. The Welshman has amassed up to 100 million followers on his social media platforms through his successes at Real Madrid. The 32-year-old has also been playing golf himself for several years and now has an impressive 2 handicap. Now Bale’s affinity for golf is to be used to spread the sport further internationally.

R&A wants to expand the target group for golf

Bale wants to use his passion for golf for a partnership with the British Golf Association R&A, which organises the Open every year, to inspire more people to play golf and to reduce possible barriers to entry. In addition to Bale, Irish songwriter Niall Horan and golf management company “Modest!Golf” are also working with the R&A, which was founded in 2004. “We want to reach new audiences who are not yet aware of the many benefits of golf, including health and wellbeing,” explains Phil Anderton, R&A’s Chief Development Officer. Moreover, he firmly believes that this could improve golf’s reputation among millions of followers.


Welshman Gareth Bale has long been known for his enthusiasm for golf. In the past, Bale supported the European Tour at a golf tournament in his home country and often appeared on the golf course on social media. His boyhood club Tottenham Hotspurs even had short golf holes built for Bale at their training facility. “Gareth’s passion for golf is there for everyone to see and he will play an influential role in supporting the new golf initiatives,” Anderton said regarding the partnership with Bale.

Gareth Bale’s golf affinity draws criticism

Gareth Bale’s enthusiasm for golf, however, is far from pleasing all of his millions of followers. With the Welshman barely performing at Real Madrid in recent months, many followers are critical of his golf affinity. “Wales.Golf.Real Madrid. In order” was written on a flag Gareth Bale used to celebrate after scoring a goal for the Welsh national team. Bale faced a lot of criticism for this action and has since been ridiculed by many of his supporters when he shows up on the golf course. Accordingly, the partnership with R&A did not go down well with everyone either. For example, Bale was called a “golfer who plays football now and then” or asked whether he had been playing golf during Real Madrid’s defeat. However, some people are open to this partnership and are looking forward to the upcoming projects.